Comparing the futures of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson & Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson

Overall talent, skillset, and likely progression:

Deshaun Watson was an acclaimed leader and winner at Clemson, and he is carrying that reputation into the first three years of his NFL career. Watson has been somewhat inconsistent at times but rarely has a bad game.

With a wide receiver in Hopkins that can beat any defender in any way, Watson has been able to find him in key situations. On the other side of the field, Watson has Will Fuller, who has shown signs of being a capable deep threat in the NFL but has never truly taken over the #2 wide receiver role due to injury issues. Further, until this season, the Texans have had one of the worst pass-blocking units in the NFL. Even now, the offensive line has its fair share of struggles. Needless to say, Watson has carried the Texans.

Watson is an accurate passer and can go through games looking like one of the best passers in the game. He can beat defenses all over the field but his best trait is the ability to find mismatches in the middle of the field. Watson has less arm talent than Mahomes, but is certainly a better rushing threat. His stats have gotten better as he has gained experience and that is correlated with sharper overall play. Watson’s athletic ability can make keep defenses on their heels, and with a little help, the Texans could be vying for the AFC Championship for years to come.

Forecasting Watson’s future:

The Texans are a strange team to consider. On the one hand, they have some exciting players and potential on both sides of the ball. On the other hand, they have underperformed their talent level until this season. To me, it comes down to a few things to determine whether or not Watson can continue to be an elite-level player.

Watson needs help. As mentioned above, Watson has carried the team on his back. Hopkins is the only true, top-notch player that catches passes from Watson. Fuller has proven unable to consistently own that second receiver role The Texans must find a real No. 2 target and solidify an offensive line that has Laremy Tunsil and a bunch of guys. Additionally, the Texans may want to give a serious look at hiring a real GM and a coach that will get the absolute best out of Watson and the rest of the roster. What determines future success isn’t always what is on your team, but what your opponents look like.

To look around the future of the AFC South, one has to believe that this division runs through Houston. That being said, the resurgence of the Tennessee Titans and the potential of the Indianapolis Colts should be something to consider. The Titans have shown signs of being able to hang with the Texans and, with a few more pieces, may be favorites against them. The Colts have a lot of money to spend with some very nice pieces on both sides of the ball. The Texans truly have their work cut out for them. Watson’s success may depend on it.