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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 5

By Shawn Spencer

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass the ball during the third quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Clemson defeated Wake Forest 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass the ball during the third quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Clemson defeated Wake Forest 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Deshaun Watson (QB – Clemson) vs. Louisville

This may not be a long-awaited matchup, but it’s been highly anticipated since Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson accounted for eight touchdowns in the season opener against Charlotte. There’s a lot at stake in this contest, including a potential birth in the ACC title game and momentum for either QB in their quest for the Heisman Trophy.

Jackson is not eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft, so Watson is the one draft evaluators will be watching closely. The Clemson QB has struggled in the early stages of this season, both through the air and on the ground.

In the passing game, Watson’s completion percentage has dropped from nearly 68 percent last season to 60 percent in 2016. What’s more concerning is his play in critical situations. On third downs and in the red zone, he’s nowhere close to as productive as he was a year ago. He was also known as someone the Tigers could rely on to bounce back from mistakes quickly. Last season he led his team to an average of 3.57 points per drive following an interception or lost fumble by Watson. This year, that’s down to just 1.75 points per drive.

He’s also been less effective on the ground, averaging over 40 yards less per game running the ball compared to last season. In what is expected to be a high-scoring game, Watson will need to be effective as a passer and a rusher to keep the Louisville defense off balance.

When these two teams collide Saturday night in Death Valley, all eyes will be on the quarterbacks. As a potential first-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, this is the type of game Watson needs to excel in and lead his team to a victory.

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