2017 NFL Draft: Clemson expert describes Deshaun Watson’s pro potential

Much has been made of Watson’s interceptions the past two seasons (30). What has lead to the interceptions?

Watson’s interceptions stem from two things. First, Watson locked on to Mike Williams at times. Second the ball was either tipped or batted at the line of scrimmage. I don’t question Watson’s ability to read defenses, rather, he forced some throws during his time at Clemson, similar to Jameis Winston during his last season at Florida State.

Watson was surrounded by high-level quality talent; how much impact did that talent have on helping Watson ‘look good’?

To say that Watson’s teammates had nothing to do with his success would be naive. That being said, Watson is a special talent capable of completely taking over a game on his own. While Clemson had one of the best wide receiving cores in the country, Watson still had to put the ball on the money for them to have success.

Watson’s arm strength/velocity has been the subject of discussion, especially after velocity measurements were not kind at the combine. Does that show itself on the field and in games, especially with the deep throw?

Watson obviously doesn’t have the strongest arm in the world, however, he is capable of making all of the throws. Can he throw it 70 yards in the air? No, but, not many quarterbacks can. Watson has consistently made tight window throws in big games and that is what is needed to win in the NFL.

What is the one thing Watson could stand to improve/work on more then anything else if he wants to be a high level player at the next level?

Watson can continue to work on going through a progression and understanding protections. All NFL quarterbacks have to continue to learn and progress as players. Watson has all of the physical tools, but, in the NFL quarterbacks separate themselves mentally.

What are the throws/plays that Watson excels at?

Deshaun Watson throws a great slant and he is adept at throwing up the seam. He found the most success on third down targeting either Mike Williams or his tight end Jordan Leggett on breaking routes.

Conversely, what are the throws/plays that Watson has issues with/struggles with consistency?

Deshaun Watson can stand to improve upon his deep ball accuracy. At times, he overthrew his receivers. Watson also struggled with the type of trajectory he needed to put on the deep ball, whether it be a flat cover-2 ball or a simple fade with a lot of air under it.

Aftre leading the Tigers to a National Championship, will Watson ever pay for a drink in South Carolina again?

I have a feeling he will be offered his fair share of free drinks in South Carolina, but I also feel that he will pay anyways.

Personal thoughts on Watson going forward?

I think Watson has the requisite accuracy and arm strength to excel in the NFL. Watson was much more accurate than Dak Prescott, the consensus and best rookie quarterback in the NFL a season ago, in college. I don’t think Watson will have any problems mentally in the NFL. He has a naturally high football IQ, and he has tremendous work ethic which will separate him from the other QBs in his class.