CLEMSON in the NFL

Mel Kiper has Watson with 2nd-3rd round NFL draft grade

Mel Kiper has Watson with 2nd-3rd round NFL draft grade


by - Assoc. Editor -

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said on SportsCenter on Thursday that he has a second or third round grade on Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson for the 2017 NFL Draft.

"Deshaun Watson at Clemson - four games this year he threw two or more interceptions but got hot late," Kiper said. "If he finishes strong moving forward with these big games coming up, Deshaun Watson could maybe push into the late first [round] but right now he has a second or third round grade."

Watson passed for 23-for-34 for 288 yards, three passing touchdowns, and an interception to lead Clemson to the 2016 ACC Championship in a 42-35 win over Virginia Tech. He also rushed 17 times for 85 yards and two scores.

For the season, Watson has completed 329 of 487 passes for 3914 yards and 37 touchdowns. He ranks fourth in the nation in completions, fifth in touchdown passes and eighth in completion percentage and eighth in total offense. His 37 touchdown passes are a Clemson season record.

Watson finished third in the Heisman voting last season as he threw for 3,512 yards with 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

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