In his most recent mock draft, Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke thinks the Redskins will select Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson in the first round.
If the Washington Redskins come to the conclusion that their either can't sign Trent Williams to a long-term deal or another quarterback option could be successful in Jay Gruden's offensive system, Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke thinks the team's first round pick could be for a signal caller.
Check out these photos of Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson.
In his latest mock draft, Burke has the Redskins taking Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson with the No. 17-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Burke also said that Washington could potential select Pitt's Nathan Peterman or Miami's Brad Kaaya in later rounds, but Watson is the most NFL-ready quarterback option.
In three seasons as Clemson's starting quarterback, the 6-foot-2, 221 pounder passed for more than 10,000 yards with 90 touchdown passes to 32 interceptions.
During his final two seasons, Watson led the Tigers to back-to-back National Championship appears, 76 touchdown passes to just 30 interceptions along with 1,734 rushing yards with 21 touchdown runs.
Watson was named the Davey O'Brien Award and Manning Award selection for both seasons.
As a senior, the Gainesville, Ga., native was named a second-team All-American, as he set school records by throwing for 4,593 yards and 41 touchdowns.
In a 56-7 victory over in-state rival South Carolina in November, Watson threw a career-high six touchdown passes.
Then in the National Championship Game against Alabama, Watson led a game-winning touchdown drive to defeat the favored Crimson Tide 35-31. Watson finished the game with 420 passing yards and three touchdowns to no interceptions along with a rushing score.
Watson's college debut came against Georgia on Aug. 30, 2014, throwing for 59 yards and a touchdown.
According to his NFL.com draft profile, Watson is a "tremendous leader and winner" with "good pocket posture with quiet upper body."
"Good pocket mobility and doesn't show much panic when pocket gets noisy. Sacked just 32 times over his last 1,181 drop-backs. Willing to stand in and deliver the ball against rib-wreckers on a clear path for him. Has history of clutch play in big games and big moments. Averaged 472 yards of total offense with eight total touchdowns and one interception in his two championship appearances against Alabama. Throws with anticipation and touch. Fires hips through throws for improved drive velocity into tight windows. Arm strength currently limited by mechanical issues that are correctable. Big, strong hands to pump fake and manipulate. Keeps ball tucked near his chest when scanning. Has compact, over-the-top release that uncorks a tight, pretty spiral. Throws with adequate accuracy on the move. Has traits to operate out of boot-action attack. Tremendous athlete who has ability to pick up chunks of yardage on ground. Has called running plays could ignite a stagnant offense. Has instant juice out of pocket to make defense pay if rush lanes are vacated. Does a good job of sliding or eluding square collisions in space as a runner. Dual-threat weapon near end zone who will create additional preparation time for coaching staffs looking to limit his effectiveness in the red area. Every meaningful passing stat improved in close-and-late situations in 2016," his profile states.
One potential NFL comparison is 2015 second-overall pick Marcus Mariota, who has accumulated 49 touchdowns in just 27 games.
"Teams will have to weigh the inconsistent field vision and decision-making against his size, athleticism, leadership and production," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein writes. "While not perfect, teams can add checks to both arm and accuracy boxes for Watson. However, discussions about whether or not his areas of improvement can be corrected will likely determine whether a team will view him as a high-upside prospect or a franchise quarterback. Watson's transition from Clemson's offense to a pro-style attack will obviously take time, but his combination of intangibles and athletic ability make him worth a first-round selection."
