NFL

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round

Joe Redemann  —  @TheIDPGuy Mar 3rd, 2017
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2. 49ers: Deshaun Watson, Quarterback

Top Needs: QB, WR, IOL, OLB, CB

The San Francisco 49ers have their pick of the quarterback litter at second overall, and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson could be the franchise guy they are looking for after posting the fourth-worst Passing NEP per drop back in 2016.

Watson is the kind of quarterback who has the athleticism to extend plays and elude rushers in the pocket, but isn’t afraid to stand in there and take a big hit to deliver the pass. He has a natural strength in his arm that is currently limited by mechanics, but with a passing guru like Kyle Shanahan as head coach, that can be fixed. He throws with anticipation and touch and has laser-like focus.

The 2016 season was a down year for Watson, but by Pro Football Reference’s Passer Efficiency Rating, Watson came in fifth among quarterbacks averaging at least 250 passing attempts over the last two years. He completed 67.6 percent of his passes over that span, to boot.

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