Everyone expected the Houston Texans to take a quarterback in the first round. What we didn’t expect, however, was Chicago and Kansas City trading up for quarterbacks as well. With two top-ranked quarterbacks gone in the first ten picks, Houston had to make a move.
As fate would have it, the team that helped Houston out of the Brock Osweiler contract would help them obtain their future quarterback. The Cleveland Browns traded their 12th pick to Houston for the Texans 25th pick and first and second round picks in 2018. With the 12th pick in the 2017 Draft, the Houston Texans selected, quarterback, Deshaun Watson.
The Houston Texans Finally Found Their Quarterback in DeShaun Watson
What To Expect
Deshaun Watson is a proven winner. In his three years as the starting quarterback for Clemson, Watson has 32 wins and three losses. Not only did he win 91% of his games, Watson lead the Clemson Tigers to a National Championship victory this past year over Alabama.
On the surface, you can see what skills Deshaun Watson brings to the table. Comparable to Marcus Mariota, Watson has mobility and a dynamic ability to make plays on the ground. Watson can make the deep throws, he can make the sideline throws, and he can hit the back corner of the endzone. Watson also executes the play action very well and on the occasions that Watson is forced outside the pocket, he keeps his eyes downfield ready to make a big play.
Beneath the surface, you have a quarterback who has great pocket prescence. If you watch the National Championship game, Alabama was destroying Watson. Big hit after big hit, Watson continued to get up and move forward. Down by 14 points, getting slammed by the big Alabama defenders, Watson remained calm and poised. He’s fearless, even with the big defenders closing in on him. He stayed calm and made the plays.
A Promising Future
Houston has a strong defense to help a rookie quarterback out if Watson is named the starter. Any “rookie mistakes” Watson may make won’t be as detrimental to the team if the defense can bail him out. It is, of course, much easier to come back from a turnover if the defense doesn’t allow a score or only allows three points.
Along with the defense, Houston has some solid receivers to offer, as well as 1,000 yard rusher, Lamar Miller. As of right now, Houston is planning to let Watson sit his first year and learn, naming Tom Savage the current starter. While this seems like a smart move, Deshaun Watson will still have the opportunity to compete for the starting role as we get closer to the season.
It’s far too early to tell, for sure, but Texans fans should feel optimistic, at least, with this pick. There are still some holes to fill throughout this draft, but there’s a sense of relief with the quarterback need filled. Watson could be the future quarterback that the Texans have been waiting for. He could be what puts his team over the hump.
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