Why the 49ers Must Avoid QB Deshaun Watson in the NFL Draft

Strengths

There are legitimate reasons why Watson is even being considered at No. 2.

He led the Clemson Tigers to two National Championship games. Though they lost the first, the only reason they were even close was because of Watson’s brilliance. That brilliance was magnified tenfold during what would be his final collegiate game. His ability to make accurate throws on the run, his pocket awareness and leadership were all on display.

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During his two seasons as a starter, he led the ACC in passing yards and touchdowns, while ranking first in all of college football in 2015 in total yards. He’s also won multiple awards, from the ACC Player of the Year in 2015 to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 2016.

The Golden Arm Award goes to the nation’s most outstanding fourth-year quarterback.

He also placed second and third in the race for the Heisman Trophy in 2015 and 2016, respectively, finishing just behind Alabama running back Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson.

On film, there is a lot to like. He has a great arm and can make any type of throw. Unlike a previous 49ers quarterback who couldn’t throw a screen pass because he didn’t have enough touch on his throws, Watson is able to display a feathery touch when needed.

Not only is a capable scrambler, but he’s a tough runner. In fact, per SI.com’s Peter King, 50 of his 72 rushing yards in the 2016 championship came came after contact.

The biggest compliment one can make of Watson is that he isn’t afraid of the moment. He delivers when the lights are the brightest. Quarterback wins and losses can be a hot topic of discussion, but the bottom line is that Watson only lost two games in his last two seasons. While he struggled coming out the gate against Alabama, he got stronger and more confident as the game went along. Many players would have folded after a start like that, but not Watson.

Here is Mark Schofield with the proverbial mic-drop: