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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Running backs steal spotlight

By Brad Weiss

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws in the pocket against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws in the pocket against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Deshaun Watson

QB, Clemson

Throughout the 2016 NFL season, one thing was made perfectly clear in Chicago, that Jay Cutler was no longer the franchise quarterback they were hoping he would be. In fact, the quarterback who played the best for the Bears this past season was Matt Barkley, who in no way should be considered a legitimate starting candidate heading into next season. The Bears need to draft their future at the position, and the starting quarterback for the National Champion Clemson Tigers could be just the player they have been looking for.

Deshaun Watson has proven over the past two seasons that he can put up points against the best defense in college football. The Alabama Crimson Tide is a football factory, and it is possible that six players from their defense could go in the first round next April. That did not stop Watson from shredding them over the past two national championship games, which culminated with the Tigers upsetting the Tide two weeks ago inside Raymond James Stadium.

The fact of the matter is that Watson is a winner, and the Bears need someone who is going to bring that culture inside their locker room. Cutler has looked, and played, like someone who does not want to be an NFL quarterback, which is all Watson wants a chance to prove he is. He is going to hear his name called in the first round next April, and it could be the Bears who take him as high as No. 3 overall.

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