Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson - Legit alternative to Jared Goff in 2017?

Originally posted by Kolohe:

Here's a unbiased opinion.

At work so will have to watch later but if anyone tries to paint a picture where he isn't a natural thrower then I have no idea what they are watching tbh. I linked a video recently that features some career highlights in chronological order. The first TD pass he threw as a true freshman in his first game on the road versus UGA was a NFL throw and one of the best you'll ever see down the seam past the earhole of the dropping defender and inside of the approaching safety. He had thrown lasers from the jump. Watch the second game vs UNC when he threw 6 TDs in his first actual start and he lays a perfect deep ball in there 45 yards down field (announcer says "watch him open up the shirt pocket and lay it in there...it doesn't get any better than that).

Originally posted by okdkid:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Rascal:
After hearing what QB traits Kyle likes, essentially pocket passers who are natural throwers, you have to wonder may be Deshaun Watson will be off his list.

Nate peterman is someone to keep your eye on then.

I don't know.

Peterman is the latest recipient of the hype train. But he went unnoticed for this long for a reason. Kyle may end up with a positive evaluation on him -- but I really doubt he'll bank the franchise on anything less that a big time trade acquisition or a top 10 draft pick.

If anything, Peterman will be his Kirk Cousins pick -- similar to what they did a few years back in Washington.

The Pitt offense wasn't based on throwing the ball all game, like these spread offenses. He avg 300 attempts a yr vs say Watson who had almost double the attempts.

"We'll begin with Peterman because he's been by far the most impressive quarterback here. Says one evaluator who has studied Peterman extensively: "He reminds me a lot of Kirk Cousins in this sense: He's not going to blow you away with any of his traits, but he can do everything you need." The evaluator stressed that Peterman is very mature. A graduate transfer from Tennessee, he enrolled at Pitt in 2015 to pursue an MBA and the 22-year-old got married to his longtime girlfriend in April.

Peterman didn't have too many weapons to throw to at Pitt; junior receiver Jester Weah (no catches before 2016) came through, and tight end Scott Orndoff had a good year, but other than that "there was not much there," the scout said. Peterman has been playing for the North squad coached by the Chicago Bears, and yes, they're in the market for a quarterback. The 22-year-old has thrown some pretty, well-placed balls and earned bonus points at weigh-in when his hands measured at 9 7/8 inches"


http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/01/27/nfl-draft-senior-bowl-quarterbacks-nathan-peterman-davis-webb-cooper-kupp-oj-howard-haason-reddick

I'm not saying draft him in the 3rd as our starter lol....I'm saying he's already playing under center in a pro-style offense. His footwork is better than any of the top guys (which is important in Kyle's system).

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/nathan-peterman?id=2558191 He's currently their 3rd rated QB


A highly-recruited passer coming out of Florida, Peterman signed with Tennessee to get a chance to play SEC football. He had to feel snake-bit in Knoxville, however, since he didn't make it through his first start as a redshirt freshman or sophomore. Peterman played in four games in 2013, but broke his hand in his first start and never regained that spot (10-23, 45 yards, two INT). The next season, he was benched after two series in his only start and then was replaced by Joshua Dobbs -- who didn't let go of the reins. Peterman played in seven games that year (10-20, 49 yards). He earned his degree in only three years, however, so he transferred to Pitt to finish his career. Peterman started 11 games in 2015 (2,287 yards, 20 TD, seven INT) and held the job as a senior (2,855 yards, 27 TD, seven INT, 60.5 completion pct.)

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS Smooth, quick set-up in pocket. Grips the ball with big, 10-inch hands. Poised in pocket and takes the hit to deliver a completion. Will set-up, slide and then re-set before making his throw. Can cut it loose from off-balance angles from bootleg or play-action if he sees a winning option break open early. Full field reader. Works all the way through his progressions. Shoots glances at safeties to keep them in check. Strong natural accuracy. Able to throw receivers open and lead them away from danger. Can pinpoint passes to moving targets in his intermediate work. Has enough arm to work field side, intermediate throws. Great vision. Sees passing windows before they develop. Throws with outstanding timing and anticipation. Can put the ball on receivers' hands as soon as they come out of a break if coverage dictates it. Utilizes accuracy and anticipation to challenge windows on all three levels. Won at Clemson hanging five touchdown passes on their talented stop unit. Good escapability and can extend drives with his legs. Excellent deep ball accuracy completing 46.2 percent of his deep throws.

WEAKNESSES Inconsistent delivery base causes some throws to sail. Has instances where he short strides and is forced to muscle it to his target. Will float some throws on seams and dig routes. Will have to be mindful to drive the ball on pro level to avoid the ballhawks who are lurking at safety. Has to prove he has enough arm to challenge the same tight windows he did in college. Ball handling a little sluggish in wide receiver screens, hitches and most RPOs (run, pass option). Wants to play hero-ball at times. Needs to learn when to air-mail throw and move to next play rather than trying to get too cute with sideline throws. Can improve overall touch.

SOURCES TELL US "I like him. He made me a believer when I watched him against Clemson. I do want to see him throw live and get a feel for how the ball comes out. I never saw him in person and you can't get a feel for that stuff on tape." - NFC Director of PersonnelNFL

COMPARISON Derek Carr

BOTTOM LINE Peterman's experience in a pro-style passing attack gives him a head start headed into the league. His physical attributes are just average, but his accuracy, composure and anticipation are what sets him apart from some of the more physically gifted quarterbacks in this year's draft. Peterman's tape is sure to catch the eye of at least a few teams in need of a quarterback and he should come off the board by day two with a chance to become a solid starting quarterback in the future.

Executive 1: 49ers
"I'm a big fan of Kyle Shanahan. He would work to feature Watson's strengths and ease him into the role."

Executive 2: 49ers
"I'd say San Francisco with Shanahan. Kyle is innovative within his scheme and he would build the offense around Watson's skill set. More importantly, Kyle's offense is predicated on the run, which won't put too much pressure on a young QB. I think it's a little bit of a reach to take him at No. 2, but I like the fit."

Executive 3: Chiefs
"He's a great fit in Kansas City. The system already incorporates zone-read concepts, heavy use of the tight end and RPOs (run-pass option). Watson excels on those quick seam routes and pop passes and he'd be surrounded by a staff that knows how to develop a quarterback. He could sit behind Alex Smith for a year or two and then take over."

Executive 4: Texans
"I could make the case for Cleveland and Buffalo, but I think Houston would be the ideal spot for him. They have a lot of pieces in place for him to be successful."

Executive 5: Cardinals
"Arizona would be a good spot. They have a great running back and nice group of wide receivers, as long as Larry Fitzgerald sticks around."

Summary: That's two votes for the 49ers and one apiece for the Chiefs, Texans and Cardinals.

Conclusion: These teams appear to be excellent fits for Watson's skill set and I don't think he would be forced to play right away based on their current roster makeup. I would pick Kansas City as the ideal spot for him to have a successful career. Andy Reid is outstanding at developing young quarterbacks and he would mold his scheme/play-calling around Watson's greatest strengths. It will be interesting to see which teams choose to pursue a veteran quarterback in the offseason. That will probably eliminate some teams from pursuing Watson or any of the other top signal-callers in the 2017 NFL Draft.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000781572/article/ask-5-which-nfl-team-is-the-best-fit-for-deshaun-watson?campaign=tw-cf-sf54494774-sf54494774

Forgot to respond to the title of this thread. After seeing Goff in limited action this year, it looks like there is much more progress that needs to take place. Watson, present day with Goff, would rate significantly higher to me as a prospect.

He has to be the choice at #2. Natural leader. No off the field problems. Graduated in 3 years. Got his team to the Championship in both of his two full seasons against arguably the best two college defenses ever in Alabama. His athleticism is above average. Arm strength for every throw.

I'll keep saying it but you have to take a shot on a guy like this. The need is there. Trubinsky hasn't played many games and has never won a thing of note. Kizer is basically the same thing with more games under his belt and the Notre Dame luster. I would only be comfortable putting my job on the line for a guy like Watson. I'm telling you this guy is going to be a stud.

Originally posted by HarbaughzDeep:
Forgot to respond to the title of this thread. After seeing Goff in limited action this year, it looks like there is much more progress that needs to take place. Watson, present day with Goff, would rate significantly higher to me as a prospect.

He has to be the choice at #2. Natural leader. No off the field problems. Graduated in 3 years. Got his team to the Championship in both of his two full seasons against arguably the best two college defenses ever in Alabama. His athleticism is above average. Arm strength for every throw.

I'll keep saying it but you have to take a shot on a guy like this. The need is there. Trubinsky hasn't played many games and has never won a thing of note. Kizer is basically the same thing with more games under his belt and the Notre Dame luster. I would only be comfortable putting my job on the line for a guy like Watson. I'm telling you this guy is going to be a stud.

someone called him the michael jordan of this draft, forgot what columnist it was. doesnt mean anything but I think hes a stud regardless of where hes "supposed" to be drafted

Originally posted by hondakillerzx:

someone called him the michael jordan of this draft, forgot what columnist it was. doesnt mean anything but I think hes a stud regardless of where hes "supposed" to be drafted

Not a columnist, that would be his coach Dabo

Originally posted by hondakillerzx:
someone called him the michael jordan of this draft, forgot what columnist it was. doesnt mean anything but I think hes a stud regardless of where hes "supposed" to be drafted

It was Dabo Swiney his head coach who said passing on him is like passing up Michael Jordan. Whether he's right or wrong for me it was a stupid comment to make.

Winners find ways to win...we just saw that last night with Brady. Watson has elements of this in his blood...don't know how his NFL career will turn out but I'm certain he's going to do everything possible to succeed and that's what makes him special.

I can't find the article but there is one out there quoting Dabo that has Watson and his roommate sneaking onto the practice field during the night his first week at Clemson to practice the playbook and getting caught by a security guard.

Here's another regarding his life and work ethic....

http://www.si.com/college-football/2015/12/10/clemson-qb-deshaun-watson-has-come-long-way-and-carried-tigers-him

In light of what those executives said, how much of a fit would Watson be in Kyle's WCO? or is it gonna be a mismatch like with Mariota in Tenn?

Originally posted by ninerAxe:
In light of what those executives said, how much of a fit would Watson be in Kyle's WCO? or is it gonna be a mismatch like with Mariota in Tenn?

IMO he has the tools for it. The big questions are if he can transition to a pro offense and make all the required throws. Clemson did stretch the field horizontally, so maybe that helps with learning the WCO. But, I'm not sure how Watson will fare on longer throws - it didn't seem to be something he had down in college.

Originally posted by zonkers:

Originally posted by ninerAxe:
In light of what those executives said, how much of a fit would Watson be in Kyle's WCO? or is it gonna be a mismatch like with Mariota in Tenn?

IMO he has the tools for it. The big questions are if he can transition to a pro offense and make all the required throws. Clemson did stretch the field horizontally, so maybe that helps with learning the WCO. But, I'm not sure how Watson will fare on longer throws - it didn't seem to be something he had down in college.

I think the big question is whether he is able to process info fast enough and how well he can learn the scheme, while scanning the field. I'm wondering how his stats look while under pressure in contrast to Trub who did great under pressure.

Originally posted by zonkers:
IMO he has the tools for it. The big questions are if he can transition to a pro offense and make all the required throws. Clemson did stretch the field horizontally, so maybe that helps with learning the WCO. But, I'm not sure how Watson will fare on longer throws - it didn't seem to be something he had down in college.

This is a PFF article from 2015...

1. He Excels on Downfield Throws

Watson's late-season exploits included a number of long touchdown throws, with the QB consistently making big plays in the clutch. Overall, Watson was accurate on 47.5 percent of his deep targets, throwing for 1,196 yards and 18 touchdowns on passes of 20-plus yards. Only Bowling Green's Matt Johnson found paydirt on more occasions in 2015. Watson was a little aggressive on occasion, throwing seven picks on deep targets, but he made many more positive plays than mistakes, especially late in the year.

Watson's arm talent is very impressive (more on that below), but he isn't just a fastball thrower, as he shows impressive touch down the field. Clemson's postseason run started in the ACC Championship game, with Watson leading the team over North Carolina in a shootout. The play below illustrates the type of plays he can make down the field. The location on this deep sideline throw is perfect.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/college-what-makes-deshaun-watson-a-2016-heisman-front-runner/

My point. No one knows for sure if any of these possibilities will ever be anything. That we can agree. What I think is smart is to pick the one with the best makeup and results at the highest level. Everyone of them has their faults. Yet each stop has potential to grow as they are unfinished products. Just seems to me that the easy choice is the product from Clemson who has always been a stud at every level. Was Gatorade State Player of the Year in HS. We know the results in college. Let's give this guy a chance.

Originally posted by zonkers:

IMO he has the tools for it. The big questions are if he can transition to a pro offense and make all the required throws. Clemson did stretch the field horizontally, so maybe that helps with learning the WCO. But, I'm not sure how Watson will fare on longer throws - it didn't seem to be something he had down in college.

From all accounts he is very intelligent. Graduated in 3 years. I know coaches talk up their players but Swinney has stated that Watson is the smartest player he has ever seen at that age. I don't think he will have to hard of a time adjusting and/or learning a new offense.

Originally posted by HarbaughzDeep:

Originally posted by zonkers:
IMO he has the tools for it. The big questions are if he can transition to a pro offense and make all the required throws. Clemson did stretch the field horizontally, so maybe that helps with learning the WCO. But, I'm not sure how Watson will fare on longer throws - it didn't seem to be something he had down in college.

From all accounts he is very intelligent. Graduated in 3 years. I know coaches talk up their players but Swinney has stated that Watson is the smartest player he has ever seen at that age. I don't think he will have to hard of a time adjusting and/or learning a new offense.

Watsons not just smart, his work ethic is off the charts.