5 NFL teams who should draft Deshaun Watson

5 NFL teams that should draft Deshaun Watson

Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

3. San Francisco 49ers

Deshaun Watson stepping into the 49ers’ quarterback situation would bring them something fresh, which is badly needed. They have been stuck with draft bust Blaine Gabbert, and the player once thought to be the quarterback of the future, Colin Kaepernick. Both have struggled mightily throughout 2016 and likely won’t be with the team in 2017.

Given that the 49ers are 1-11, they will probably have the opportunity to choose just about anyone of their liking in the 2017 NFL Draft (the Browns are still winless). So, someone like Watson will likely be available for them at the top of the draft. Going in the top five may be a bit high for the two-time Heisman finalist, but if Chip Kelly is sold on him as the future and the man he wants to develop, then he’ll go for him.

The defensive talent may be too much for the 49ers to pass on, though. Jonathan Allen and Myles Garrett are considered elite players for this draft, and given the mass exodus of San Francisco defenders from the past few years, selecting one of them would be the start of rebuilding that defense. Taking a running back could be in play too with Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook being potential top-10 picks.

Quarterbacks seem to rise fast up the draft boards, though. By March, we could be talking about Watson as a solidified top-five pick, which would put him in play in the Bay Area.

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