2017 NFL Mock Draft, Week 12: Watson, Kizer loom

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Nov 19, 2016; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after a touchdown in the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

32. . QB. Clemson. Deshaun Watson. 12. player

Deshaun Watson is the biggest name in the quarterback class for 2017, though he is not the most NFL ready. While some project him to be a Day Two pick, we think he will be selected in the first round for sure. The Arizona Cardinals need their next franchise quarterback, as Carson Palmer is starting to get a bit long in the tooth.

Watson has struggled with his accuracy this season, and has shown some vulnerability against the pass rush. He needs to do a better job in the pocket if he is going to be successful at the next level, and he has the football I.Q. to do so. He has quarterbacked the Clemson Tigers into national prominence during his time with the school, and is going to be a solid pro once he is ready.

He will likely need a year or two to be ready to command an offense in the NFL, and that is just fine with the Cardinals. There is still a year or two left in Palmer’s arm, and he should serve as a great teacher if the Cards decide to go quarterback next April. Watson is an incredible talent, and could wind up being the best pro of them all five years from now.

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