This quarterback class is one of the most hotly debated in recent memory. Nobody can come to a consensus who deserve to be taken first. For me, it is a two way race between Mitch Trubisky and Deshaun Watson. Watson has been the face of college football for two years, but he is actually a better pro prospect than people think. Here's why:
Measurables:
Height- 6'3''
Weight- 215 lbs
Year:
Junior (21)
2016 stat line:
67% completion, 4593 passing yards, 41 TDs, 17 INT, 165 rushing attempts, 629 rushing yards, 9 TDs
Pros: Deshaun Watson is a proven winner. He lead his team to two national championship births and took home the trophy this past year. He is also a team captain who is a great leader on and off the field and takes well to coaching. Watson uses throws a tight spiral with a great velocity and mechanics. He has great poise in the pocket and is not afraid of taking hits to complete passes. Watson does a good job with timing and anticipation routes, such as the back shoulder throw. He is an accurate short range passer who is very hot and cold throwing down the field. When he is hot though, he is on fire. Watson also has a dual threat ability, but it isn't a crutch like it was for RGIII. He can pass from the pocket, escape and run for a first down, or he can throw on the run. On top of that, Watson has enough size and arm strength to succeed at the pro level.
Cons: Watson does struggle with accuracy. When he is cold, he is way off. He overthrows and underthrows receivers, leading to missed opportunities and turnovers. Those turnovers are a problem too. He throws too many picks because the pass was inaccurate of he stares down the receiver. This is most evident when he is throwing slants and the linebacker reads his eyes and jumps the route. Watson needs to learn to look off defenders and then hit his target. Watson also ran a spread offense at Clemson, so he needs to learn how to run a pro offense.
Pro Comparison: Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota is a true winner. He lead Orgeon to the college football playoffs and was a college football star. He has a great arm, intangibles, mechanics, and a duel threat ability. While he has had some interception problems in the pros, Mariota has a bright future ahead of him. Watson has that same bright future.
3 teams that could use him: The Browns need a quarterback, and quarterback whisperer Hue Jackson will know how to groom Watson into the type of quarterback he wants. The 49ers are also in desperate need of a quarterback and Kyle Shanahan likes quarterbacks who can throw on the run. Watson can be the identity of the 49ers offense during this rebuild. The Bears could also use Watson, as the have enough talent in place to allow Watson to ease into the starting role and not be thrown to the sharks without talent around him.
Conclusion: Deshaun Watson is just behind Mitch Trubisky for the number one quarterback ranking in this year's draft. He has the intangibles and physical tools, he just needs to fix his accuracy issues and turnover problems. He won't escape the first round of this years draft.
All stats from www.sports-reference.com
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