2017 NFL Draft: Deshone Kizer Widens Lead In QB Race

Oct 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the Syracuse Orange at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the Syracuse Orange at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass the ball during the third quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to pass the ball during the third quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Deshaun Watson vs. Louisville

It’s been a rocky year for the Clemson star quarterback but he continues to find ways to get it done. He did so again in a huge primetime matchup against Louisville. When he needed to make the plays to win, he did. That is what top QBs must do in order to play in the NFL someday. The issue isn’t whether Watson is smart or a great athlete. Those are long since proven. It’s whether he can prove he’s more than just a talented player who makes college defenses look foolish.

It was a mixed bag for him against the Cardinals. He threw for over 300 yards and five touchdowns on the night along with 91 yards rushing. That is excellent production. However, he did also throw three interceptions that almost cost them the game. Several passes were batted at the line of scrimmage, a problem that was sure to come up with his shorter frame. These are the pros and cons that pro teams will have to weigh when his name comes up on draft day.