Deshaun Watson, Clemson - QB

[AzorAhai]

What do you think of this guy as an NFL QB prospect? Tonight was the 1st game I've watched him really play and was surprised. Small frame, but a very good arm and man are those legs dangerous. His size seems scary for his future at QB if he sticks. Saw some accuracy issues at times, but also saw some really nice reads and very precision throws as well. I know he's not eligible this year, but would like some opinions on his potential moving forward from some people who might be more informed on him.

 

[tyke1doe]

It's going to be hard for him to be a pocket passer. He looked more to run than he did to pass tonight. He does have a nice touch on the deep ball, but I felt there were times where he looked to run when he should have thrown. But this was my first time really looking at him, and I'm not a quarterback expert so take my advice for what it's worth.

 

[AzorAhai]

It's going to be hard for him to be a pocket passer. He looked more to run than he did to pass tonight. He does have a nice touch on the deep ball, but I felt there were times where he looked to run when he should have thrown. But this was my first time really looking at him, and I'm not a quarterback expert so take my advice for what it's worth.

I saw some of the same. I expected a QB who only ran after constantly seeing his highlights on ESPN this year. Was actually surprised with some of the throws he made tonight. Hopefully some of the Clemson fans can give some insights into his strengths/weaknesses.
@dogunwo
Btw, condolences on the game. I was pulling for Clemson tonight. One of the best championship games I've seen in a while.

 

[LocimusPrime]

Poor mans Bob Three. Small frame means he's gonna break when burfict hits him. Not a 1-3 rd talent. Maybe 5-7 or udfa.

 

[texbumthelife]

What do you think of this guy as an NFL QB prospect? Tonight was the 1st game I've watched him really play and was surprised. Small frame, but a very good arm and man are those legs dangerous. His size seems scary for his future at QB if he sticks. Saw some accuracy issues at times, but also saw some really nice reads and very precision throws as well. I know he's not eligible this year, but would like some opinions on his potential moving forward from some people who might be more informed on him.

I actually came away less impressed tonight, than I had been all season. I have been the only person bringing him up around here when projecting next year's draft class. I was very high on the guy, but tonight I saw some real holes in his game.

You may see touch on the deep pass, but it is very erratic and needs a lot of work. He sails a lot of balls, which tells me he has mechanical issues. He is not a one read quarterback, but he is still trying to find a balance between when to scan the defense and when to take off. I didn't like his pocket presence tonight. he took a couple of shots and then seemed to really get flustered in the pocket. Once flushed from the pocket, he really shows off his ability, keeping his eyes downfield and making some very nice passes. In the read-option handoff game, he really blew it tonight. He seemed to go into hero mode and keep the ball far too many times when the read was to hand it off. More than once he did this and was immediately swarmed by multiple 'Bama defenders. His decision making really wasn't tonight what it had been most of the season. I don't know if it was the hits he was taking or the pressure of the big game, but he seemed to be in his own head.

All of that said, this kid is still the top quarterback prospect going into next season and no one is really close, at the moment. He will be a top draft choice and if he continues to progress, could very well be the first guy taken. He is a dynamic player with an arm the explodes, while still showing some good touch. He is going to need a lot of grooming going into a pro-style offense, but he has all the tools physically to be successful. His progression through next season will really be what defines him. If he is able to mature as a passer, he will be the first overall pick and I think he can be a generational type of talent--if things all go his way.

Poor mans Bob Three. Small frame means he's gonna break when burfict hits him. Not a 1-3 rd talent. Maybe 5-7 or udfa.

He's been running and getting hit all season and hasn't missed a game. He is a little light on his feet, but he's a true sophomore. He definitely has the frame to pack on 15-20 pounds. Comparing him to RGKnee is just ignorant. Every athletic black QB from here on out is going to be compared to RGIII by people who can't muster a real argument or evaluate talent.

Calling him a 5-7 round, or potential UDFA is downright ridiculous. The kid would have been a first round pick had he come out this year.

 

[LocimusPrime]

I actually came away less impressed tonight, than I had been all season. I have been the only person bringing him up around here when projecting next year's draft class. I was very high on the guy, but tonight I saw some real holes in his game.

You may see touch on the deep pass, but it is very erratic and needs a lot of work. He sails a lot of balls, which tells me he has mechanical issues. He is not a one read quarterback, but he is still trying to find a balance between when to scan the defense and when to take off. I didn't like his pocket presence tonight. he took a couple of shots and then seemed to really get flustered in the pocket. Once flushed from the pocket, he really shows off his ability, keeping his eyes downfield and making some very nice passes. In the read-option handoff game, he really blew it tonight. He seemed to go into hero mode and keep the ball far too many times when the read was to hand it off. More than once he did this and was immediately swarmed by multiple 'Bama defenders. His decision making really wasn't tonight what it had been most of the season. I don't know if it was the hits he was taking or the pressure of the big game, but he seemed to be in his own head.

All of that said, this kid is still the top quarterback prospect going into next season and no one is really close, at the moment. He will be a top draft choice and if he continues to progress, could very well be the first guy taken. He is a dynamic player with an arm the explodes, while still showing some good touch. He is going to need a lot of grooming going into a pro-style offense, but he has all the tools physically to be successful. His progression through next season will really be what defines him. If he is able to mature as a passer, he will be the first overall pick and I think he can be a generational type of talent--if things all go his way.



He's been running and getting hit all season and hasn't missed a game. He is a little light on his feet, but he's a true sophomore. He definitely has the frame to pack on 15-20 pounds. Comparing him to RGKnee is just ignorant. Every athletic black QB from here on out is going to be compared to RGIII by people who can't muster a real argument or evaluate talent.

Calling him a 5-7 round, or potential UDFA is downright ridiculous. The kid would have been a first round pick had he come out this year.

No he wouldn't. I'll compare him to Bob three cause that's what I see in him. The kid wouldn't be a first round pick. No way. My talent evaluation of him : skinny small framed qb that relies on his feet way too much. Let's see where he goes in the draft next year bet u $500 he isn't a 1-2 round pick. Wanna take me up. I'll be here

 

[dogunwo]

I saw some of the same. I expected a QB who only ran after constantly seeing his highlights on ESPN this year. Was actually surprised with some of the throws he made tonight. Hopefully some of the Clemson fans can give some insights into his strengths/weaknesses.
@dogunwo
Btw, condolences on the game. I was pulling for Clemson tonight. One of the best championship games I've seen in a while.

Watson has accuracy issues on the run, when it is not a designed roll-out play. Watson looks too throw, and runs more as a product of the long time offensive system at Clemson that relies on athletic QBs. His game is more of a taller Russell Wilson, than anything RG3. It is really ignorant to label him as just another running QB, or just some late rounder.

 

[AzorAhai]

I actually came away less impressed tonight, than I had been all season. I have been the only person bringing him up around here when projecting next year's draft class. I was very high on the guy, but tonight I saw some real holes in his game.

You may see touch on the deep pass, but it is very erratic and needs a lot of work. He sails a lot of balls, which tells me he has mechanical issues. He is not a one read quarterback, but he is still trying to find a balance between when to scan the defense and when to take off. I didn't like his pocket presence tonight. he took a couple of shots and then seemed to really get flustered in the pocket. Once flushed from the pocket, he really shows off his ability, keeping his eyes downfield and making some very nice passes. In the read-option handoff game, he really blew it tonight. He seemed to go into hero mode and keep the ball far too many times when the read was to hand it off. More than once he did this and was immediately swarmed by multiple 'Bama defenders. His decision making really wasn't tonight what it had been most of the season. I don't know if it was the hits he was taking or the pressure of the big game, but he seemed to be in his own head.

All of that said, this kid is still the top quarterback prospect going into next season and no one is really close, at the moment. He will be a top draft choice and if he continues to progress, could very well be the first guy taken. He is a dynamic player with an arm the explodes, while still showing some good touch. He is going to need a lot of grooming going into a pro-style offense, but he has all the tools physically to be successful. His progression through next season will really be what defines him. If he is able to mature as a passer, he will be the first overall pick and I think he can be a generational type of talent--if things all go his way.



He's been running and getting hit all season and hasn't missed a game. He is a little light on his feet, but he's a true sophomore. He definitely has the frame to pack on 15-20 pounds. Comparing him to RGKnee is just ignorant. Every athletic black QB from here on out is going to be compared to RGIII by people who can't muster a real argument or evaluate talent.

Calling him a 5-7 round, or potential UDFA is downright ridiculous. The kid would have been a first round pick had he come out this year.

Nice writeup and saw a lot of what you mentioned. The read option decision were bad several times putting them in holes afterward. He did look somewhat flustered, but that Alabama front 7 has that affect on QBs. I was just really impressed with some of the throws, the athleticism, his arm strength, some of the reads he was making and the deadly running threat he posed.

Besides the RBs which have been constantly thrown in our faces all season, I've not really seen much of anyone not in this years draft. I'll definitely be watching some of him this offseason and checking out his progression next season.

 

[kazzd58]

It's going to be hard for him to be a pocket passer. He looked more to run than he did to pass tonight. He does have a nice touch on the deep ball, but I felt there were times where he looked to run when he should have thrown. But this was my first time really looking at him, and I'm not a quarterback expert so take my advice for what it's worth.

That's because his top wr and another was gone so the offense is designed for him... Go watch his freshman highlights the guy is accurate and can make all the throws I been on Watson that's who I want so we were a ur off with our record.. Trust me he can mak all throws and accurately with anticipation

 

[kazzd58]

Poor mans Bob Three. Small frame means he's gonna break when burfict hits him. Not a 1-3 rd talent. Maybe 5-7 or udfa.

What 5-7 th rd? Lol this game must obviously be the 1st one u hv watched of him? He's the #1 pick in next years draft the best QB in nation right now watch his previous games . Top wr lost 1st game of season some more offensive important players get sent home before playoffs started and still ballin

 

[kazzd58]

I actually came away less impressed tonight, than I had been all season. I have been the only person bringing him up around here when projecting next year's draft class. I was very high on the guy, but tonight I saw some real holes in his game.

You may see touch on the deep pass, but it is very erratic and needs a lot of work. He sails a lot of balls, which tells me he has mechanical issues. He is not a one read quarterback, but he is still trying to find a balance between when to scan the defense and when to take off. I didn't like his pocket presence tonight. he took a couple of shots and then seemed to really get flustered in the pocket. Once flushed from the pocket, he really shows off his ability, keeping his eyes downfield and making some very nice passes. In the read-option handoff game, he really blew it tonight. He seemed to go into hero mode and keep the ball far too many times when the read was to hand it off. More than once he did this and was immediately swarmed by multiple 'Bama defenders. His decision making really wasn't tonight what it had been most of the season. I don't know if it was the hits he was taking or the pressure of the big game, but he seemed to be in his own head.

All of that said, this kid is still the top quarterback prospect going into next season and no one is really close, at the moment. He will be a top draft choice and if he continues to progress, could very well be the first guy taken. He is a dynamic player with an arm the explodes, while still showing some good touch. He is going to need a lot of grooming going into a pro-style offense, but he has all the tools physically to be successful. His progression through next season will really be what defines him. If he is able to mature as a passer, he will be the first overall pick and I think he can be a generational type of talent--if things all go his way.



He's been running and getting hit all season and hasn't missed a game. He is a little light on his feet, but he's a true sophomore. He definitely has the frame to pack on 15-20 pounds. Comparing him to RGKnee is just ignorant. Every athletic black QB from here on out is going to be compared to RGIII by people who can't muster a real argument or evaluate talent.

Calling him a 5-7 round, or potential UDFA is downright ridiculous. The kid would have been a first round pick had he come out this year.

Actually I've been bringing him up since his freshman year at Clemson on here but no one paid attention until today really .... I'd rather Watson as our QB of the future than anybody in this draft this year ... When the CB for Clemson went out The cats started being wide open this is Alabama so don't act like he was gonna perfect they do give u challenges but hey that onside kick was a gm changer

 

[vaturkey]

Teddy Bridgewater with more speed/quickness and stronger arm. I don't think there is much doubt that he's a first rounder, but time will tell for sure.

 

[DAL1180]

I actually came away less impressed tonight, than I had been all season. I have been the only person bringing him up around here when projecting next year's draft class. I was very high on the guy, but tonight I saw some real holes in his game.

You may see touch on the deep pass, but it is very erratic and needs a lot of work. He sails a lot of balls, which tells me he has mechanical issues. He is not a one read quarterback, but he is still trying to find a balance between when to scan the defense and when to take off. I didn't like his pocket presence tonight. he took a couple of shots and then seemed to really get flustered in the pocket. Once flushed from the pocket, he really shows off his ability, keeping his eyes downfield and making some very nice passes. In the read-option handoff game, he really blew it tonight. He seemed to go into hero mode and keep the ball far too many times when the read was to hand it off. More than once he did this and was immediately swarmed by multiple 'Bama defenders. His decision making really wasn't tonight what it had been most of the season. I don't know if it was the hits he was taking or the pressure of the big game, but he seemed to be in his own head.

All of that said, this kid is still the top quarterback prospect going into next season and no one is really close, at the moment. He will be a top draft choice and if he continues to progress, could very well be the first guy taken. He is a dynamic player with an arm the explodes, while still showing some good touch. He is going to need a lot of grooming going into a pro-style offense, but he has all the tools physically to be successful. His progression through next season will really be what defines him. If he is able to mature as a passer, he will be the first overall pick and I think he can be a generational type of talent--if things all go his way.



He's been running and getting hit all season and hasn't missed a game. He is a little light on his feet, but he's a true sophomore. He definitely has the frame to pack on 15-20 pounds. Comparing him to RGKnee is just ignorant. Every athletic black QB from here on out is going to be compared to RGIII by people who can't muster a real argument or evaluate talent.

Calling him a 5-7 round, or potential UDFA is downright ridiculous. The kid would have been a first round pick had he come out this year.

Getting hit by players in the ACC is not like getting lit up by NFL defenses.

 

[tyke1doe]

That's because his top wr and another was gone so the offense is designed for him... Go watch his freshman highlights the guy is accurate and can make all the throws I been on Watson that's who I want so we were a ur off with our record.. Trust me he can mak all throws and accurately with anticipation

He did throw some accurate passes. Even my wife - who doesn't really pay attention to football much - said, "The guy turned around and the ball was there."

 

[TheBigEasy]

If I were to compare him to a current NFL QB, which I do NOT like to do, I would say Cam. Now, I'm comparing the sophomore Cam Newton and not the current. I see a lot of the same attributes - both positive and negative. Apologize to the peeps saying he won't be a first round pick next year but please share what you're smoking. Mind blowing stuff from what I've been reading.

 

[thunderpimp91]

No doubt the tools are there, but I wouldn't touch him in the first without seeing better play in the pocket next year. Qbs that can run like him have always been among the best athletes on the field their whole lives, and I think with that comes trouble. It's not the highlight reel plays that win games in the nfl it's how you react under pressure. Watson has the arm, but depends on his legs in times of trouble, which has failed over and over in the nfl. It's simply become his instinct, and that's one of the hardest things to overcome. You can't tweak his throwing motion to fix it, you have to change how his mind processes information.

 

[kazzd58]

If I were to compare him to a current NFL QB, which I do NOT like to do, I would say Cam. Now, I'm comparing the sophomore Cam Newton and not the current. I see a lot of the same attributes - both positive and negative. Apologize to the peeps saying he won't be a first round pick next year but please share what you're smoking. Mind blowing stuff from what I've been reading.

Watsons a better passer and more elusive

 

[kazzd58]

Watson has accuracy issues on the run, when it is not a designed roll-out play. Watson looks too throw, and runs more as a product of the long time offensive system at Clemson that relies on athletic QBs. His game is more of a taller Russell Wilson, than anything RG3. It is really ignorant to label him as just another running QB, or just some late rounder.

Anybody that labels him a running QB have obviously not watched Clemson games theses pass 2 seasons...

 

[MRV52]

Late rounder are you guys for real. He is easily going to be a 1 to 2 round pick.

 

[TheCount]

Teddy Bridgewater with more speed/quickness and stronger arm. I don't think there is much doubt that he's a first rounder, but time will tell for sure.

I don't see the comparison. Teddy is a pocket guy that takes the safe throw and needs a strong running game to be successful - he's the prototypical west coast offense type. That's not at all what I see from Watson.