With The First Pick
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Spread Offense vs Pro Style Quarterbacks in the NFL Draft

By Carl Cockerham

Sep 10, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) carries the ball during the second half against the Troy Trojans at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) carries the ball during the second half against the Troy Trojans at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

2017: DeShaun Watson vs DeShone Kizer

Coming into this year, DeShaun Watson of Clemson was everyone’s quarterback prospect for 2017. Brad Kaaya was a distant second while the scouting world slept on Deshone Kizer of Notre Dame. But after two games, Kizer has started to get more consideration.

Watson is playing himself out of the top quarterback spot throwing almost as many INTs as TDs so far. Like Mariota in the NFL, he struggles with his accuracy down the field and staring down targets. He also tends to run when his first read isn’t there.

At 6’2″, 210, Watson is unlikely to run his way into the playoffs when he gets to the NFL. When a running quarterback is that thin, it’s darn-near a forgone conclusion that he’ll get broke off. Meanwhile, Kizer has the most of what you want from a prospect.

He has a big arm with accuracy and at 6’5″, 230 pounds, he has great size. He runs a hybrid between the Spread and a pro style offense so he’ll have no trouble transitioning. At the end of this season, it may be between Kizer and Kaaya, who’s also from a pro style offense.

Next: Bottom Line

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