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2017 NFL Scouting Combine: Whose Rising, Falling and Other Early Observations, Pt. 2

By Eric Gamboa

Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington wide receiver John Ross speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington wide receiver John Ross speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Rising: Deshaun Watson

In the battle of first-round quarterbacks, it was Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson who impressed in the eyes of most. It is really no surprise that Watson handled the pressure well considering that he has done exactly that his entire career.

Still, throws made in a controlled environment like those made at the NFL Scouting Combine should be taken with a grain of salt. Many past QBs have shined at the combine only to stink come Sundays (here’s looking at you, JaMarcus Russell).

Nonetheless, it is a positive sign that Watson outshined all QBs present. Especially considering that he followed fellow first-round projected QB Mitch Trubisky and effortlessly outperformed him. In addition, some are saying that Watson turned in a performance similar to that of current Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota. Two years ago, Mariota needed to display accuracy on five- and seven-step drops in order to be drafted in the top five of the draft — he went No. 2 overall.

Niner Noise thinks Watson performed better than Mariota as he took less time in his set up, displayed superb footwork, and accuracy that was absolutely money.

In case you missed his performance, here are some of his throws:

He received some high praise from some notable names including Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who told USA Today Sports:

"Unbelievable. He had a great day. Every throw was on the money."

Here are some of the Twitter reactions to Watson’s throwing performance:

Closing comments on Watson will come courtesy of Alabama defensive linemen Johnathan Allen, a consensus top-five rated draft prospect, who was at the NFL Scouting Combine, what he thought of Watson. This is what he said: