Deshaun Watson issues a warning to teams that pass on him
By Thomas Moore
The Cleveland Browns need a quarterback, but if they pass on Clemson’s Deshaun Watson in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, will they live to regret the decision?
The Cleveland Browns are expected to select a quarterback at some point in the 2017 NFL Draft, most likely with the second of their two first-round picks.
Just who that quarterback is remains very much a mystery.
Many draft analysts expect the Browns to select North Carolina’s Mitchell Trubisky, either at No. 12 or in a trade back up in the first round. Others prefer Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes, while a dwindling number still cling to the idea of Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer.
Related: Deshaun Watson Q&A with Rubbing the Rock
If it is not Trubisky, however, it may be Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, last seen eviscerating Ohio State and Alabama on his way to leading the Tigers to a national championship.
And if a team is thinking of passing over Watson to select a quarterback with just 13 collegiate starts, Watson issued a warning during an appearance earlier today on Good Morning Football:
"“You’re gonna have to live with the consequences that come with it. That’s how I see it. I try to stay in my lane. I try not to take the path. I respect Mitch and what he’s done and all the hype he’s getting, but at the same time, my result speaks for itself. I feel like I’ve accomplished everything that I could. I guess if that’s who they’re gonna roll with, so be it.”"
Watson was a three-year starter at Clemson and completed his collegiate career third in ACC history in total offense, threw 90 career touchdown passes, and is at the top of Clemson’s career list in completion percentage, passer rating and total offense per game.
Watson also hits all the check marks that head coach Hue Jackson is looking for in a quarterback, from size to football IQ and leadership skills. Given his comments and big-game ability, Watson also has the moxie that a team should look for from its quarterback.
The narrative throughout the offseason is that the Browns should do “whatever it takes” to acquire a quarterback if they want one. That line of thinking has only been applied to Trubisky and New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo, but it really holds true for any quarterback.
Next: Browns: 5 players to watch after Round 1
If the Browns decided that Watson is the man they need to do what they can to make it happen on Thursday night.
And if they don’t? Well, no one can say they haven’t been warned.