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Alabama vs Clemson: 5 players to watch in National Championship Game

By John Buhler

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) works at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) works at the line of scrimmage during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Deshaun Watson

Quarterback, Clemson Tigers

Though he’s not the best player in this game (that would be Allen), Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson will garner the most attention for so many reasons. He is the best quarterback in school history and will be a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Watson was twice a Heisman finalist, twice the quarterback for the ACC Champion Tigers, and he’ll play in a his second national title as a starter. He is the rare quarterback talent that is a dual threat, but aware of when to use his legs. Watson doesn’t lean on his fleet feet all the time. He can make all the throws of an NFL franchise quarterback.

For some time now, Watson has been one of three potential franchise quarterbacks expected to go in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The other two are North Carolina Tar Heels junior quarterback Mitch Trubisky and Notre Dame Fighting Irish junior quarterback DeShone Kizer. Watson has been as high as No. 1 on some draft boards. He has also been pegged third of the trio as a mid-first round quarterback talent.

While he does have his issues with interceptions, Watson is the type of player that gives Nick Saban’s Alabama defense the most trouble. He completes well over 60 percent of his passes, isn’t afraid to throw the ball down the field, and can extend plays/drives with his legs.

Watson is a first-round pick. There’s no sense debating that. That being said, he has a ton on the line in this game. If he plays anywhere near the level he is capable of, maybe even challenging what he did against Alabama last year, Watson could be the first quarterback off the board. He might even be the No. 1 overall pick.

Next: Best college quarterback born in every state

The Cleveland Browns could go quarterback at No. 1, as could the San Francisco 49ers at No. 2, Chicago at No. 3, the New York Jets at No. 6, the San Diego Chargers at No. 7, and the Buffalo Bills at No. 10. Those are all potential landing spots for Watson in 2017.

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