Chicago Bears can’t pass on Clemson QB Deshaun Watson in NFL Draft

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson is the perfect answer to the ongoing quarterback concerns plaguing the Chicago Bears who must take him in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The final pass Deshaun Watson threw in his college career was the game-winning touchdown in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game to complete the comeback against the Alabama Crimson Tide. His next pass should be as a member of the Chicago Bears as the long-term answer to the question that has perplexed the front office of the charter franchise of the NFL.

Watson is entering the NFL Draft after having one of the best careers of any quarterback in college football history. His final two years certainly place him among the legends of the sport with two Davey O’Brien Awards, two times he was a Heisman finalist, two championship game appearances, and one ring.

That type of resume should place him among the top prospects for the NFL Draft and the Bears, owners of the No. 3 pick, can’t afford to pass him up. The Jay Cutler era is coming to an end after the high-priced veteran never lived up to his potential or the status of being one of the game’s highest-paid players. Brian Hoyer is a career back-up and Matt Barkley may have cost himself a shot at a backup spot after a dismal finish to his season.

That leaves the Bears with a glaring hole at the game’s most important position.

If the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers pass on Watson with the first two picks, Bears general manager Ryan Pace should sprint to get his card in with Watson’s name on it.

Watson checks off a lot of the boxes you want in a quarterback prospect.

He’s a winner, tremendous leader, loaded with intangibles, makes his teammates better, outstanding production, outstanding production vs. elite defenses, clutch and the necessary arm talent to be a Pro Bowler at the next level.

In two national championship games against Alabama, Watson completed 64 percent of his passes for 824 yards, seven touchdowns and added 116 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Most impressive is his unflappability. Nothing rattles him. Not even questionable targeting from Alabama in an attempt to get him out of his game could stop Watson.

Critics were hard on Watson during the regular season because his interceptions were higher than you’d like, just like they were when Jameis Winston and Matt Ryan played their final seasons. And draft experts have maintained this is a down year for quarterback prospects, but for a team starved for quarterback talent, Watson is the answer to the Bears prayers.

The Bears need a face of the franchise. As great as Kyle Long is, the face of the franchise can’t be a right guard. For decades, the Bears tried to win in spite of their quarterback play. With Watson and a rebuilt offense, the Bears can finally join the 21st century and win because of their quarterback.

It’s revolutionary thinking, but Pace and Bears coach John Fox need not overthink this. Watson is the best player in college football and fills a Grand Canyon-sized hole. It’s drafting the best player available at the biggest need. The Bears have made some regrettable draft choices but passing on Watson would be one of the franchise’s worst decisions.

Watson is the complete package and the answer to the Bears quarterback problems.

Now, don’t screw it up.