Watson ranked in Top 5 of Mel Kiper's Big Board

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ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has released his too-early 2017 Big Board and Clemson junior quarterback Deshaun Watson was ranked as the #4 overall 2017 NFL prospect.

"Had he been available for the 2016 draft, Watson could have challenged Jared Goff to be the first quarterback taken," Kiper Jr. said. "Sure, he's a gifted mover (1,105 rushing yards in 2015), but Watson is a very good passer; he can drive it down the field and displays consistent accuracy and touch."

Watson finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting last season and will be one of the favorites in 2016. Watson completed 333-of-491 passes for 4,104 yards and 35 touchdowns and also had 207 rushes for 1,105 yards and 12 scores this past season. He became the first player in NCAA FBS history to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season.

Kiper's top five overall prospects in the rankings were defensive end Myles Garrett, outside linebacker Tim Williams, running back Leonard Fournette, quarterback Deshaun Watson and safety Jamal Adams.

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