Nearly all sports fans agree that quarterback is the most important position in sports. The player that “runs the show” offensively, calling all the shots in hopes of scoring that elusive touchdown. And the Cleveland Browns need one of those players badly. A high-octane playmaker that, unlike Cleveland’s 26 other starters since returning in 1999, can actually succeed in the NFL. And since last January, Browns fans have been clamoring for their team to draft one certain player at any cost. Enter the Clemson Tigers’ electric team leader and quarterback, Deshaun Watson.
Why The Browns Should Draft Deshaun Watson
Hue Jackson’s Quarterback Wizardry
As a coach, Hue Jackson has created a reputation for being something of a quarterback guru. His offenses rely on a good quarterback to facilitate the squad, rather than being run-heavy. Hue’s game plans, many Browns fans believe, cannot and will not work until he acquires a top quarterback prospect. And Deshaun Watson can be that prospect. The Browns will be coaching the Senior Bowl this year and will have time to coach Watson in person. This is crucial for the Browns, as Hue can decide whether Watson is “his guy” or not.
Hue has worked with players like Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton, so Watson is a somewhat different prospect. A mobile quarterback who can not only pass, but create plays himself with his legs. If Hue liked RGIII, he’ll love this guy. Watson is a much better (and hopefully much more durable) Robert Griffin. And he’s sitting right there for Hue to groom to his liking.
National Champion
When and if the Browns draft Deshaun Watson, they’ll be getting a proven champion from the college level. He’s smart, adaptable, and has won big games at every single level of his career. His most amazing feat as a player came just this past Monday when his Tigers bested the undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide had rolled to a 13-0 season record and were on a 26-game winning streak. Deshaun Watson changed all that.
With 2:01 left on the clock, Watson rallied his troops and began a drive to change the narrative of his college career. After losing to Alabama in last year’s National Championship classic, Watson refused to go home empty-handed again. And with one second left on the clock, Watson connected with receiver Hunter Renfrow for a go-ahead touchdown. After recovering an onside kick and kneeling the ball, Watson was officially crowned National Champion and was awarded Offensive MVP of the 2017 National Championship Game. A clutch champion at the highest level and a consistent winner, Watson is everything Hue and the Browns want in a quarterback. And after 18 years of being consistent losers, Cleveland needs a winner to bring them out of the basement of the NFL.
Game Changer and Franchise Changer
Just look at the numbers. Deshaun Watson has done unprecedented things during his time at Clemson. With 90 passing touchdowns and 26 rushing touchdowns, Watson has absolutely lit it up during his time with the Tigers. He can make big plays and consistently connect on NFL-level throws. He’s also incredibly smart. During his tenure at Clemson, not only did Watson graduate, but he made tremendous reads on the field. He internally knows where the football needs to be, and when it needs to get there. He can read a defense and decide just what to do with the ball.
Having a franchise quarterback can turn a team around. The 3-13 Indianapolis Colts drafted Peyton Manning, one of the NFL’s all-time great quarterbacks, in the spring of 1998. By the 1999-2000 season, the Colts were 13-3. If Watson can have even a fraction of the same effect on the Browns, fans will be forever grateful. But if they’re going to go through with Watson, the Browns must provide him with some serious weapons. Watson would need a Marvin Harrison or Emmanuel Sanders for his Peyton Manning.
Conclusion and Pro Comparison
If Deshaun Watson is set up to succeed, he will be the next big thing in football. In an era where more and more quarterbacks know how to do it all, Watson will finally let the Browns keep up. In my eyes, he could be the next Russell Wilson. An athletic quarterback who can make plays with both his arms and his legs. However, the Browns need to protect Watson. He’s not exactly the biggest guy out there, and will need the proper tools to avoid the sad fate of RGIII. But if the Browns can keep him well-protected and give him a few more tools to play with, he could end up as one of the greats.
