Clemson Tigers

DeShaun Watson Not a Top Quarterback Prospect

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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In 2015, Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson had a historical season for  a college quarterback.  He was the first one to rush for over 1,000 yards and throw for over 4,000. That made him the universal No. 1 quarterback and overall prospect for 2017 but that’s over now.

Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson came into the 2016 season with all the hype, bells and whistles. He was the No. 1 quarterback and overall prospect for the 2017 NFL Draft. And at the same time, he was the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.

Then the season started and that was a bad thing for Watson as he got off to a bad start. In his first four games, he had 996 yards, nine TDs, four INTs and a pedestrian 6.6 yards per attempt. Of all things, Watson had issues with his accuracy like many Spread quarterbacks.

Clemson did remain undefeated through all the ups and downs Watson had to begin the season. So a win and performance against No. 3 Louisville and Heisman candidate Lamar Jackson, the Heisman is still within reach. And that is exactly what he gave the voters.

In an epic, see-saw battle, Watson lead them Clemson back in the fourth quarter. On the day, he threw for 306 yards and five TDs while rushing for 116 yards and one TD. So while playing his way back into the Heisman race, he may have played himself out of the first round.

In the Heisman race, big performances in a big games will give you a big mark up. But scouts give you a big mark down for 3-interception performances especially the way Watson’s happened. Those three interceptions were not the result of anything new.

Watson is proving not to be able to throw accurately into tight windows like he will in the NFL. And when a defense can take away his running and make him win with his arm, he struggles. His numbers now are up to 1,312 yards 10 TDs and six INTs.

Playing like that, Watson won’t even get into the first round in May.

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