QB Prospect Discussion: Deshaun Watson, Clemson

[BamaBear09]

I have two questions:

Were they all asked to throw max velocity? Or were they being monitored more for their release and accuracy?

They were positioned between two radar guns and told to rip it. I'm not trying to knock Watson, someone asked why there were questions and that's part of why...

[Nanky]

Going back to 2008, the only one they seems to have been below 55 MPH and has success so far was Dak. It's an interesting list to look through. Definitely makes me wonder if he can be successful in the NFL or not.

[G08]

I have two questions:

Were they all asked to throw max velocity? Or were they being monitored more for their release and accuracy?

They were positioned between two radar guns and told to rip it. I'm not trying to knock Watson, someone asked why there were questions and that's part of why...

Is this accurate? I've never heard that they were told to stand between two guns and throw it as hard as they can.

Even still, seeing Christian Ponder above Mike Glennon makes me laugh. Brad Kaaya with a higher MPH than Glennon as well? I sincerely hope people don't put stock in this.

[Adipost]

I have two questions:

Were they all asked to throw max velocity? Or were they being monitored more for their release and accuracy?

They were positioned between two radar guns and told to rip it. I'm not trying to knock Watson, someone asked why there were questions and that's part of why...

I thought they just took the highest number of all of their throws at the combine. I didn't know they specifically had to throw it as hard as they could.

[G08]

I have two questions:

Were they all asked to throw max velocity? Or were they being monitored more for their release and accuracy?

They were positioned between two radar guns and told to rip it. I'm not trying to knock Watson, someone asked why there were questions and that's part of why...

I thought they just took the highest number of all of their throws at the combine. I didn't know they specifically had to throw it as hard as they could.

That's what I thought as well... I've never heard of what Bama is referencing. I sure as hell have never seen it and I embarrassingly have watched more Combine coverage than one man should in a lifetime

[BamaBear09]

I have two questions:

Were they all asked to throw max velocity? Or were they being monitored more for their release and accuracy?

They were positioned between two radar guns and told to rip it. I'm not trying to knock Watson, someone asked why there were questions and that's part of why...

Is this accurate? I've never heard that they were told to stand between two guns and throw it as hard as they can.

Even still, seeing Christian Ponder above Mike Glennon makes me laugh. Brad Kaaya with a higher MPH than Glennon as well? I sincerely hope people don't put stock in this.

I misread, this season they changed the test, they had them throw one left and gunned it and then throw right and gunned it... previous they just had them toss it.

[G08]

There's been a "knock" on Watson since high school that he has a mediocre arm, but a scout went on to explain that Watson was so concerned with pinpoint accuracy that often times he would take something off his ball to make sure he could 'feather' it into the receiver.

I've seen dude rip it more than enough to not worry about his arm... he can get it 58 yards fine; I don't need more than 45-55 if I'm being honest.

[BamaBear09]

There's been a "knock" on Watson since high school that he has a mediocre arm, but a scout went on to explain that Watson was so concerned with pinpoint accuracy that often times he would take something off his ball to make sure he could 'feather' it into the receiver.

I've seen dude rip it more than enough to not worry about his arm... he can get it 58 yards fine; I don't need more than 45-55 if I'm being honest.

Like I said, I was surprised when that number came back because I've seen him make deep throws with ease, only brought it up because the person asked why there were questions.

[G08]

https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/04/13/desha ... arterbacks" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[G08]

Watson thus far has visited with:

KC
CLE
JAX
SF
AZ
HOU
NYJ
BUF

Talked to us on the phone (on the phone??)

[thunderspirit]

Watson thus far has visited with:

KC
CLE
JAX
SF
AZ
HOU
NYJ
BUF

Talked to us on the phone (on the phone??)

Mostly texting, really.

"do u like me Y/N"

That sort of thing.

[wab]

I don't think Watson makes it out of the top 12. But I have no idea where he goes.

[G08]

I don't think Watson makes it out of the top 12. But I have no idea where he goes.

I'm good with one of two things:

1. Trade down to 8, take your top rated QB, and play around with our 3 2nd round picks

2. Take Watson at 3 and smile at the first round talent that falls into our lap at #36

[wab]

Having not visited with him gives me pause.

[G08]

Having not visited with him gives me pause.

There's no reason if you really think about it... I would have to think Pace and scouts have vetted (vet?) him enough.

Not getting him up on the board with our OC, though, bothers me.


Who the fuck knows. 6 more days boys!!

[mmmc_35]

They did and everyone and their mother to his pro day.

[Rusty Trombagent]

I don't think Watson makes it out of the top 12. But I have no idea where he goes.

on that note i'm kind of surprised how many people are mocking him to the jags at 4. i just dont see the new regime completely giving up on bortles just like that.

[G08]

Watson has the quickest release in this draft, same exact time as Aaron Rodgers.

Ball velocity comes out about 2mph slower than Kizer/Trubisky.

[Moriarty]

Watson has the quickest release in this draft, same exact time as Aaron Rodgers.

Ball velocity comes out about 2mph slower than Kizer/Trubisky.

Not from what I've seen:
https://walterfootball.com/combine2017QB.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[G08]

Watson has the quickest release in this draft, same exact time as Aaron Rodgers.

Ball velocity comes out about 2mph slower than Kizer/Trubisky.

Not from what I've seen:
https://walterfootball.com/combine2017QB.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mine come from actual games, not the Combine where players are not told to throw the ball as hard as they can.

At the Combine, you're focused on accuracy.

[thunderspirit]

According to Ourlads (who, for pure stats, I trust more than Water Football):
Davis Webb: 56 mph
CJ Beathard: 55 mph
Trevor Knight: 55 mph
Patrick Mahomes II: 55 mph
Mitchell Trubisky: 55 mph
Nathan Peterman: 53 mph
DeShone Kizer: 52 mph
Joshua Dobbs: 51 mph
Jerod Evans: 51 mph
Brad Kayaa: 48 mph
Cooper Rush: 46 mph
Sefo Liufau: 46 mph
Deshaun Watson: 45 mph

If Watson had Rush's accuracy, I'd be okay with his velocity in the type of system Loggains runs. But he doesn't.

[G08]

Just watch the games man. If you think Kaaya has a stronger arm than Watson, you'll need to get those eyes checked.

Mahomes has one of the, if not THE, strongest arms in this draft... Peterman can't hold his jock.

[UOK]

Bears didn't bring in Watson for a private workout, nor did they have a visit.

[wab]

Bears didn't bring in Watson for a private workout, nor did they have a visit.

But they did text him!

[ysleblanc]

Watson has the quickest release in this draft, same exact time as Aaron Rodgers.

Ball velocity comes out about 2mph slower than Kizer/Trubisky.

Not from what I've seen:
https://walterfootball.com/combine2017QB.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mine come from actual games, not the Combine where players are not told to throw the ball as hard as they can.

At the Combine, you're focused on accuracy.

Release to me is as important if not more than arm strength. A quick release gives DB's and LB's less time to react.

[Nanky]

Watson has the quickest release in this draft, same exact time as Aaron Rodgers.

Ball velocity comes out about 2mph slower than Kizer/Trubisky.

Not from what I've seen:
https://walterfootball.com/combine2017QB.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mine come from actual games, not the Combine where players are not told to throw the ball as hard as they can.

At the Combine, you're focused on accuracy.

Release to me is as important if not more than arm strength. A quick release gives DB's and LB's less time to react.

So does a quick release make up for the horrible velocity? I don't believe it does.

[wab]

Deshaun Watson Issued A Warning To The Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears Deshaun Watson connection runs deep by this point. Weeks ago it was established that the Clemson star was the likely preferred target of the franchise as their potential future franchise QB. Not surprising. His incredible production, 28-2 record between 2015 and 2016, and national championship victory over Alabama checked every box for what GM Ryan Pace claims to look for in a quarterback.

Rumors continue to persist that the team remains interested, but may not be willing to venture the risk. Not at #3 overall anyway. This would explain why the Bears are so intent on trying to move down via trade. That would provide a better player-for-pick value. Not as much of a perceived “reach.” It makes plenty of sense on paper. That said it also may come with a stern warning. Not from the draft experts either. From Watson himself.

Bears Deshaun Watson relationship rests on a promise

The young quarterback comes across as cool, humble and genuine in his interview. That, however, belies how relentless a competitor he is. One does not win so many close games as he has without a stubborn refusal to be anything less than the best. That would explain his comments when asked about his comparison to fellow top quarterback, Mitch Trubisky of North Carolina. In an interview with Good Morning Football on the NFL Network, he basically warned the Bears and other NFL teams that they would regret passing on him.

“YOU’RE GONNA HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES THAT COME WITH IT. THAT’S HOW I SEE IT,” WATSON RESPONDED. “I TRY TO STAY IN MY LANE. I TRY NOT TO TAKE THE PATH. I RESPECT MITCH AND WHAT HE’S DONE AND ALL THE HYPE HE’S GETTING, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, MY RESULT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. I FEEL LIKE I’VE ACCOMPLISHED EVERYTHING THAT I COULD. I GUESS IF THAT’S WHO THEY’RE GONNA ROLL WITH, SO BE IT.”

Shades of Manning

This comes across as a clear look into the man’s mind. An unbreakable self-confidence and quiet assurance that he’s going to succeed no matter where he ends up. It reflects a similar mentality to none other than the great Peyton Manning. His statement to the Indianapolis Colts prior to the 1998 draft still resonate with people and remains a treasured story to this day.

‘I’LL LEAVE YOU WITH THIS THOUGHT: IF YOU TAKE ME, I PROMISE YOU WE WILL WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP. IF YOU DON’T, I PROMISE I’LL COME BACK AND KICK YOUR ASS.’

Of course being in front of cameras, Watson wasn’t going to say it like that. Nonetheless that’s almost the exact same meaning behind his words. Find any excuse you need to not do it, but don’t cry and moan in five years when I’m leading my team to a Super Bowl. This is the sort of bravado teams want in their quarterbacks, which is why Watson is loved by scouts everywhere. Even in spite of his physical shortcomings. Every NFL team wants a leader under center. Somebody who refuses to accept anything less than the best from teammates and himself. Watson proved he was that guy in college. Are the Bears willing to let him prove it again in the NFL?

[G08]

I kind of could see Watson fall close to round 2...

[Boris13c]

I am certainly convinced Watson is the real deal, and will become a valuable QB for whoever is smart enough to grab him

[Boris13c]

Houston is a perfect spot for Watson. They have the defense to cover for any mistakes he makes, he has offensive team mates to work with, and he is with a QB friendly coach who won't accept any bullshit.

I think Watson will be the Texans starter, and I think the Texans go to the playoffs.