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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Can we trust the Cleveland Browns?

By John Buhler

Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) looks to the bench 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) looks to the bench 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 /
13

Deshaun Watson

Quarterback, Clemson Tigers

The Arizona Cardinals could go defensive line here at No. 13. Frankly, they need all the help they can get up front. Long-time defensive end Calais Campbell took his talents to North Florida to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Are we sure defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche is mature enough to survive in the NFL?

That being said, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has to realize that starting quarterback Carson Palmer has maybe this season left in the tank. It would be advantageous for him and the Cardinals to go quarterback at No. 13. Arians does believe that one of these five quarterbacks (Kizer, Mahomes, Trubisky, Watson, Webb) could start right away. Maybe it’s the most experienced of the five in Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.

Scouts have questioned who is Watson’s NFL prototype. It’s very difficult to determine, but he feels like a cross between Marcus Mariota and Tony Romo. Watson may not be the elite downfield thrower that Palmer was in his prime, but he is the only signal caller entering the draft that has absolutely nothing left to prove at the collegiate level

He has some mobility and that could add an interesting wrinkle to the Cardinals offense with Pro Bowl running back David Johnson. Not to stay that the Cardinals will have the quarterback/running back tandem that the Dallas Cowboys have in Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, but they can play winning football in the Valley of the Sun for years under Arians. It’s unlikely that Arizona will be picking anywhere near the top-10 next spring to have the chance at drafting Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen anyway. Watson has to be Palmer’s heir apparent.

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