2017 NFL Draft: A complete look at quarterbacks for the Chiefs
By John McCarty
Deshaun Watson, Clemson, Junior (6-2, 221 pounds)
Perhaps no quarterback proposes more debate and more hand wringing then DeShaun Watson. As a Heisman finalist, a National championship in 2016 and runner-up in 2016, Watson is the apple of the public’s eye and the frustration of evaluators.
Strengths:
- Very athletic
- Intangibles
- Good runner
- Experience playing on the biggest stage
- Can throw with touch and with power
Weaknesses:
- Does not work through progressions in the pocket
- A lot of passes appear predetermined, either through play call or pre snap read
- Measured with weakest arm at the combine
- Accuracy is very inconsistent at all levels-can miss targets badly
- Stares down receivers often
- Deep ball power/accuracy is not good
- Questions about frame/long term injury issues
- Surrounded by NFL talent/best talent of any draft QB by far
Watson certainly is an interesting case study in what teaks are looking for in a quarterback. Of the top four quarterbacks, Watson is far and away the most accomplished, having playing in two national championship games, leading a game-winning drive in his last game to defeat the vaunted Crimson Tide of Alabama. He’s made amazing plays to help win games at Clemson.
Running the football, Watson is the best of anyone in the draft. Watson is able to use his feet not just to escape pressure but to make plays, yards and touchdowns. While the other quarterbacks can move, Watson’s feet are a legitimate threat.
On the other hand, Watson had arguably the best surrounding cast of any quarterback prospect in the draft. His top receiver, Mike Williams, is a likely top 20 draft pick, running back Wayne Gallman and tight end Jordan Leggett are likely going to be drafted in the third or fourth round, wide receiver Artavis Scott is a mid to late round draft prospect and center Jay Guillermo is a possible late round draft pick. While Trubisky had a strong supporting class, it wasn’t at this level.
Another big concern with Watson is his consistency. At everything. His accuracy can come and go, ranging from “that will work” to “yikes”. Too many times receivers, at all levels, are forced to alter their routes to get the ball. His deep ball especially can have trouble finding a home. Watson also will too often lock in on a receiver from the snap. Instead of coming off the initial read, he stays with him, which helps explain why he threw a staggering 17 interceptions this past season.
The biggest worry, and what knocks Watson down the list, is his development of nuances of the position. I have yet to see Watson truly work through progressions as a play develops; instead most routes appear to be pre-determined. Watson often signals the side of the field his pass is going to by looking at either at his receiver or receivers the whole time, rarely using his eyes to look off defenders.
Why Watson is a fit for the Chiefs
Watson at first glance is a nice fit in the Chiefs offense in that Clemson’s zone read offense asks similar things of their quarterbacks that their Chiefs do, and Andy Reid has shown an ability to tailor a game plan to the strengths and weakness of the signal caller.
Watsons ability to run the ball, ability to throw with some power and some touch gives you hope there’s more in the tank that has yet to be tapped. A strong showing at the combine helps fuel that very notion, though Watson’s pro day raised concerns about his accuracy. With a highly scripted set of throws designed to make quarterbacks look like stars, Watson missed some throws you just can’t do when trying out for the NFL in shorts.
Should the Chiefs front office believe in the athleticism of Watson, the intangibles and the potential of Watson, he’d be a great choice. However, if they are looking for someone to carry a team down the road, he’s not likely your guy. Watson can be a highly effective system quarterback given the right set of circumstances. It should be noted the Chiefs are not believed to be big fans of Watson, and that they favor Trubisky and Mahomes over Watson.
Will Chiefs draft him at 27? Maybe
Will he be available at 27? Maybe
My NFL Comp: Vince Young, CFL