CLEMSON in the NFL

Watson will be remembered at Clemson as one of the all-time greats
Watson will be remembered at Clemson as one of the all-time greats

Deshaun Watson's draft stock has soared


by - Assoc. Editor -

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson left his legacy with the program as he led his team to their first National Championship since 1981.

According to three NFL executives that were interviewed by ESPN on Friday, Watson's draft stock is soaring since the beginning of the College Football Playoff.

"All I'm saying is this," one personnel director said to ESPN, "if [Robert Griffin III] and Vince Young and Marcus Mariota can go in the top couple of picks, there's no question Deshaun Watson can. He led his team against Alabama, one of the best defenses we've seen in a long time. He's done a ton of winning since he's been at Clemson. Absolutely do I think someone can take him in the top 10."

Another NFL personnel director had the following comparison of Watson to Dak Prescott.

"But these last couple of weeks, he's skyrocketing up to the top 10 picks, with the two playoff game wins," NFL personnel said to ESPN. "Now people are going to say, 'Wait a minutes, he's played Alabama the past couple of years really well, he won a national championship, he can be a Mariota, he can be a [Dak] Prescott, great character, great kid.' People will not want to miss him. I think he's definitely going in the top 10."

Watson finished the comeback victory over Alabama going 36-for-56 for 420 yards and three passing touchdowns. He also had 21 rushes for 43 yards and rushing score.

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