Deshaun Watson States Case For Being 2017 First Overall Pick
By Erik Lambert
The stage has pretty much already been set for the 2016 NFL draft with the college season at an end following the national championship game in which Alabama outlasted Clemson 45-40. However, that doesn’t mean players who didn’t declare this year couldn’t get a head start on 2017. It’s impossible not to say that’s what quarterback Deshaun Watson did with his performance on the big stage against one of the best defenses in the country.
For months scouts have admitted that Watson might be the best quarterback in the country. A scary thought considering he is just 20-years old. Alabama can agree with that. If not for MVP performances from Derrick Henry and O.J. Howard, Watson would’ve almost single-handedly beaten them. Not only did he light them up through the air for 405 yards and four touchdowns, he was also the Tigers’ leading rusher with 73 yards on 20 carries.
Tim Tebow stated the situation perfectly after the performance.
"“He was the best player on the field. The best team beat the best player.”"
Such is how it often happens in professional sports. Watson has a long, bright career ahead of him and Clemson should be right back in the national championship hunt next season as long as he is under center. Meanwhile, NFL teams are likely already salivating at the possibilities of him. The kid is 6’2″, can run like a wide receiver, displays poise from the pocket and delivers passes with touch and accuracy.
It’s still over a year away and lots of things need to happen, but it’s clear that on this current arc, Deshaun Watson will in the running to go 1st overall in the 2017 draft. All that is left is to stay healthy and produce a similar season to the one he’s enjoyed as a sophomore.