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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Bears tap Deshaun Watson

By Brad Weiss

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a touchdown against the California Golden Bears as quarterback Keller Chryst (10) celebrates (back ground) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. The Stanford Cardinal defeated the California Golden Bears 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a touchdown against the California Golden Bears as quarterback Keller Chryst (10) celebrates (back ground) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. The Stanford Cardinal defeated the California Golden Bears 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Christian McCaffrey

RB, Stanford

When the dust cleared on the recent NFL season, a familiar team was the only one left standing. That team was the New England Patriots, who shook off not having Tom Brady for 25-percent of the regular season to win their fifth Super Bowl. The Patriots saved the best for last, erasing a 25-point second half deficit to beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-38 in overtime.

The Patriots got contributions from plenty of people on offense last season, and no position showed that more than at running back. LeGarrette Blount, James White, and Dion James all had their hands in the Pats wins, making the running back position a strength for the Pats. Blount will likely be gone for the 2017 season, and with him leaving a pretty big hole in the backfield, the Pats could draft a player to fill that void.

Next: NFL: 15 Biggest Draft Busts Of All-Time

Christian McCaffrey has been a record-breaking player during his time with the Stanford Cardinal, and he made the decision to skip his senior season and enter April’s draft. He has the ability to do so many things on the football field, and would give Brady the kind of running back that can play all three downs. He should be available to the Pats this late in round one, and if he is, he would be a perfect fit for Josh McDaniels’ offensive scheme in New England.

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