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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; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) after defeating 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) after defeating 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 /

Does Watson Fit with the 49ers?

If there was a way for the 49ers to draft Watson without having the use the second overall pick, they should. The problem is that there’s no chance he’s going to fall out of the first half of the first round. There are just too many QB-needy teams.

This a classic example of when scarcity drives the market.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to the media on Wednesday (h/t Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee) prior to the start of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Here’s what he had to say when he was asked by a reporter to describe what he looks for in a QB:

"Really how quick they process things…How quick they react in the pocket, do they watch the rush, are they fearless…You want to see how quick their decision-making is, not on the board but in the pocket when they’re under duress."

Other than the fearless component, it doesn’t sound like Shanahan is talking about Watson when describing his ideal quarterback.

Watson is a tremendous talent. He just doesn’t fit with the 49ers at the No. 2 pick. The supporting cast isn’t good enough. There are too many holes, both offensively and defensively, for Watson to succeed. Early first-round picks need to produce immediately.

Watson won’t succeed if he’s the starting QB in Week 1.

That’s not to say he won’t be a good player. He has a multitude of strengths, and given the right team and situation, he may even flourish.

Next: Five FCS Prospects to Watch at the NFL Scouting Combine

At the cost of the No. 2 overall pick, it’s just too expensive for the 49ers to draft him.