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

By Ken Wang

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA. Mandatory Credit: Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser via USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA. Mandatory Credit: Mickey Welsh/Montgomery Advertiser via USA TODAY Sports /

Weaknesses

Watson struggled to make pre-snap reads, despite improving in his second season. There were games where defensive shifts gave him problems. If the initial read isn’t there, the play would breakdown. That happened all too often with Colin Kaepernick, over the past two seasons, and is not something the 49ers should be excited about in a potential prospect.

While he showed that he has the ability to make plays when the pocket collapses, he doesn’t keep his eyes up. When things break down around him, he looks for a running lane. Successful mobile quarterbacks in the NFL like Russell Wilson and Cam Newton are able to do both.

Despite being able to make any type of throw, he struggled with his decision making. Over the past two seasons, he threw 30 interceptions. Per Pro Football Focus, of the 17 interceptions in 2016, 14 of them were thrown from a clean pocket.

That’s worrisome.

Without taking anything away from Watson, the talent that surrounded him for the past two seasons needs to be recognized. Nine of Watson’s teammates from the 2015 season were drafted. That’s the most players drafted from Clemson since 1983 when they had 10.

He’s also benefited from playing with players like wide receiver Mike Williams, tight end Jordan Leggett and running back Wayne Gallman. Williams, the most talented of the group, is Mel Kiper Jr.’s top-rated WR, while Leggett and Gallman are considered mid-round selections.

Watson also had an underrated offensive line protecting him. Left tackle Mitch Hyatt allowed just one career sack prior to the championship game and is one of the best young left tackles in college. Both he and junior guard Tyrone Crowder were named as first-team All-ACC selections in 2016. ESPN also ranks the Clemson offensive line as the best in the ACC heading into the 2017 season.