Kansas City Chiefs: 2017 NFL Draft May Yield A Quarterback
By Ben Almquist
Deshaun Watson – Clemson
Some Kansas City Chiefs fans have jumped on board the Deshaun Watson hype train. I am not one of them. While many feel that Watson is one of the most dynamic passers in recent memory, I see a situation that we have seen play out over and over. Watson is another excellent athlete with a quality arm who simply doesn’t do the mental side of the position.
Now, I know what is coming…”he’s never been asked to do it”…”you don’t KNOW that he can’t”. You’re right. Those are accurate statements. However, it is a fact that he hasn’t done the mental side. It is a fact that the Chiefs offensive system is known for being one of the more mentally taxing systems. So when I see a guy who hasn’t done the mental stuff, it’s pretty cut and dry for me.
That’s not to say he doesn’t have talent. Deshaun Watson is an extremely gifted athlete and has a great arm. He has decent accuracy and doesn’t panic under pressure. Watson possesses quality size for the position as well. From a physical standpoint, he’s just about perfect for the job.
Congrats to Deshaun Watson winning 2nd straight Davey O'Brien Award for nation's best QB (closest vote ever). But doubt he'll win THE award.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 9, 2016
Maybe we will all be shocked and find out that Deshaun Watson is one of those rare football minds. I’m not betting on it, and certainly not at the price of a 1st round pick. Watson is a talented football player. However, I am not gambling the future of this team on a guy that has to be taught the X’s and O’s of the game before he can even work on the playbook.
My Verdict: A day three project who is getting first round hype. Don’t be the team to make this mistake.