Deshaun Watson

As a finalist for the Heisman Trophy as a true sophomore, the trendy preseason pick to be the No. 1 overall selection of the 2017 NFL draft and the star quarterback for the national title contending Clemson Tigers, perhaps no player in college football has been as scrutinized this year than Watson. With Watson (and three other Clemson underclassmen) opting to be recognized with the seniors for the Tigers' final home game of the 2016 season, his intent to declare early for the draft is clear. Watson has the statistics, dual-threat ability and track record of delivering on the big stage to intrigue but is not the polished passer most associate with early first round picks.

in our view

Watson lacks ideal measurements and his accuracy can be sporadic but he has consistently delivered on the big stage and has the improvisational ability to extend the play. Complementing him with speed at the other skill positions could be the key to Watson parlaying his success in college to the next level.

weaknesses

Watson is shorter than ideal and possesses a relatively slim frame with limited room for additional muscle mass. The same durability questions which dogged Jared Goff (and Teddy Bridgewater a year earlier) will be an issue throughout the pre-draft process for Watson. Of even greater concern in the projection to the NFL is Watson's upside as a passer. Clemson's offense is a relatively simple one, frequently asking the quarterback to make simple underneath throws off of pre-determined reads. Often the ball is out of Watson's hands so quickly on these throws that he fails to set his feet properly, tossing the ball flat-footed or while drifting back, negatively impacting his accuracy on these "simple" throws. Watson needs to improve his consistency in this area, as well as show greater willingness to move on from his initial pre-snap read.

compares to

Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills

Watson is taller and slimmer than taylor but offers similar dual-threat abilities, as well as a history of proving doubters wrong.

--Rob Rang, 1/3/2017

strengths

The first thing that stands out about Watson is his remarkable athleticism. He is a fluid athlete with the vision, elusiveness and speed to make even well-coached defenses look silly. Even better, Watson looked no worse for the wear following the knee surgery, demonstrating the flexible joints and explosive acceleration that often takes a year (or more) to return. He shows impressive spatial awareness, recognizing when defenders are near and either sliding or running out of bounds to keep himself from absorbing unnecessary hits. Though Watson is aided by Clemson's shotgun-heavy offense, he shows the quick mental processor scouts expect at the position. Watson can move defenders with his eyes, creating passing (or rushing) lanes to take advantage of over-aggressive defenders. He has a tight release and possesses at least adequate arm strength to deliver long sideline throws. When he sets his feet properly and throws with balance, Watson can place the ball beautifully, fitting the ball through tight windows, including while on the move. He possesses excellent touch on bucket throws, laying the ball out in front of his receivers on deep passes down the seam and sideline.

Rated as the No. 3 player in the nation by Tom Lemming

No. 16 player and No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the nation by ESPN

No. 31 player and No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the nation and No. 2 player in Georgia by Rivals.com

No. 41 player and No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the nation and No. 4 player in Georgia by 247Sports.com

No. 84 player and No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in the nation by Scout.com

U.S. Army All-American Game selection

Under Armour All-American Game selection

first-team All-American by Parade and second-team All-American by USA Today

four-year starter at Gainesville High School

set state career records for total offense yards (17,134) and total touchdowns (218)

set the state career records for passing touchdowns and total offense yards by the end of his junior season

had 13,077 passing yards and 155 touchdowns along with 4,057 rushing yards and 63 touchdowns in his career

state player-of-the-year as a sophomore, junior and senior. Gatorade Player-of-the-Year in Georgia as a senior

had 4,431 passing yards and 57 touchdowns against only five interceptions along with 1,057 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior

had 5,700 total offense yards and 64 touchdowns, including 4,024 passing yards and 50 touchdowns, as a junior

led his team to its first state title in over 100 years; he had 400 total yards and five touchdowns in a 49-13 win over Ware County High in the Georgia Dome; he had 1,988 total yards and 27 touchdowns in five playoff games

had over 3,200 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards as a sophomore

had 2,088 passing yards and 17 touchdowns along with 569 rushing yards and five touchdowns in leading his team to a 10-2 record as a freshman

played basketball as a junior

coached by Bruce Miller

recruited by Chad Morris.

Majoring in communication studies

born Sept. 14, 1995.

2016

passing
ATT	YPA	PCT	YDS	INT	TD	COMPLETIONS
578.0	7.9	0.67	4593.0	17.0	41.0	387.0

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
3.8	9.0	629.0	165.0	33.0

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
0.0	2.0	3.0

punting
In 20	LONG	NO	TB	YDS	YPP
0.0	38.0	1.0	0.0	38.0	38.0

2015

passing
ATT	YPA	PCT	YDS	INT	TD	COMPLETIONS
491.0	8.4	0.678	4104.0	13.0	35.0	333.0

rushing
YPC	TD	YDS	CAR	LONG
5.3	12.0	1105.0	207.0	63.0

punting
In 20	LONG	NO	TB	YDS	YPP
0.0	23.0	1.0	0.0	23.0	23.0