Dink will be doing semi-weekly quarterback scouting reports for Revenge of the Birds, he has already looked at two quarterbacks and today marks the third.
Check out what Dink had to say about:
DeShone Kizer
Patrick Mahomes
Deshaun Watson
6’2”/215/JR
2015: 333/491 4109 YDS 35 TD 13 INT
2016: 329/487 3914 YDS 37 TD 15 INT
Career: 755/1115 9489 YDS 86 TD 30 INT
Watson will turn pro after a junior season that began with hype stemming from an amazing run through the playoffs and a dismantling of Alabama’s defense. It was impressive to not see a drop in production from Watson this year knowing that he would be placed under a microscope by the NFL, college media, and of course us know-nothing draftniks.
Watson has once again guided Clemson to the College Football Playoffs and has a chance to showcase his skill set and leadership on the National Stage.
Physical (7):
Watson is listed at 6’2” but I have heard he may come in closer to 6’1” - still above the 6’ barrier that many teams use a benchmark. He has a slender frame and is anywhere between 200 and 215 pounds depending on what site you look at. He has a lanky frame and has added 10-15 pounds since stepping on the Clemson campus. The question is, can he add 10 more pounds to his frame to help protect him against NFL hits.
Arm Strength (6):
Watson has an above average arm but not one that will blow you away. He has shown the ability to drive the ball down the sidelines and into tight windows between the hashes.
Accuracy (7):
Watson has an extremely high completion percentage which is partly the byproduct of the Clemson offense. Watson is very accurate on sideline back shoulder throws with great anticipation and location. He can struggle over the middle at time putting the ball behind or on receivers with a clean pocket and lanes.
Touch (7):
Watson throws one of the prettiest deep balls that you will see in the college ranks. It is a tight spiral and very catchable and lands soft as a feather. Watson has the arm strength to drive the ball but at times tends to “aim” it to the spot instead of driving it when needed.
Set Up/Delivery/Release (7):
Watson is well-groomed fundamentally and mechanically in the pocket. He has great posture and very rarely over extends when he throws. He has a tendency to hang on his backside when throwing the ball into areas that need to have more velocity. His motion is effortless and very fluid from the pocket, with a great release point and no extra motions.
Scrambling (8):
Watson is an effective runner with the ability to be used on read options and make the defense account for him in situations. He won’t be mistaken for DeShone Kizer and used in a similar fashion, but will still be effective. When pushed from the pocket, Watson will keep his eyes down the field looking for an open receiver.
Pocket Presence/Poise/Decision Making/Football IQ (7):
Watson displays a calm demeanor on the field which rubs off on the players around him. He has made plays in big moments for Clemson the last two seasons including the championship game last year. Watson is a confident player which will lead to occasionally forcing the ball into a receiver, but those periods are few and far between. He doesn’t repeat mistakes and shows a strong grasp of the Clemson offensive concepts.
Overall (49/70):
The most impressive thing about Watson is coming into this season with so much hype and pressure, and delivering. He claimed the ACC Title again and put the Tigers back in the College Football Playoffs, and topped things off by a runner-up finish in the Heisman. There is a lot to like with Watson and it starts with production at the highest level. There will be questions as to whether he can bulk up some at the next level, which he will need to do if he is near the 205-pound area or lighter. As the season progressed this year, Watson was driving the ball more, improving from earlier in the year when he appeared to be aiming the ball and throwing tentatively. When Watson plays fast, he plays better. If he shows the ability to process the next level schemes, I see similarities in arm strength, quick release, and ability to Tom Brady. (Note: This does not mean he will be Tom Brady!) Watson will be best suited in offenses that use a quick passing game with occasional shots down the field. He appears to be a player who, the more teams get to know him, the more they will like him from a leadership and character standpoint. Watson is a polished player coming out and the question will be how much more talent is there to tap into, or how close he is to being a finished product.