Three short years ago all of my flag waving Clemson neighbors (I'm surrounded on all sides, lol), after experiencing the ultimate high five, were incensed and snarling about how Clowney would never be the number one pick in the 2014 draft. "He's not that talented", or "He's protecting himself from injury", "He's lazy" (played with multiple injuries his entire junior season) and especially "He'll be a major bust in the NFL". I think everyone now sees what a healthy Clowney can do in the NFL.
Now, fast forward three years ... and guess what? They're incensed again, and literally foaming at the mouth because Watson won't be the number one pick (maybe not even top 5 or 10) in the draft, even though he is superman in their eyes. I'm sure Jon Gruden is receiving threats from the Tiger fanatics because he chose Mahomes as the likely best NFL player, after interviewing and working out all of the top QB's in this sparse class. Mel Kiper, a very well-respected ESPN draft analyst recently explained why Watson didn't deserve the Heisman in a practical, logical and fact filled interview, none of which seemed to matter to my Clemson neighbors. Kiper is not the only national journalist who shares this opinion. Watson's resume is tilted by two NC games, in which he played magnificently. No argument there. However, during the regular season of 2016, with a cadre of the very best receivers in the entire country, Watson averaged 7.9 yds./attempt, not even in the top 30 nationally. He also threw 17 picks, outside the top 100 nationally. Now recall that Clemson played 6 regular season games decided by a TD or less, and all of these facts begin to add up. Yes, he won the Natty with a great game ... but so did Vince Young, remember? Clemson's offense, designed by Chad Morris, relies on flip passes, shotgun snaps exclusively, quick lateral throws and one side reads, with limited check-downs for the QB, ... not exactly great preparation for the NFL. I really hope Watson makes it in the NFL, and can land with a team that will allow him to sit and learn NFL football. However, if he washes out of the league after a couple of seasons, I won't be too surprised either. There is a long list of very successful HUNH college QB's who couldn't cut it in the NFL.
Now, fast forward three years ... and guess what? They're incensed again, and literally foaming at the mouth because Watson won't be the number one pick (maybe not even top 5 or 10) in the draft, even though he is superman in their eyes. I'm sure Jon Gruden is receiving threats from the Tiger fanatics because he chose Mahomes as the likely best NFL player, after interviewing and working out all of the top QB's in this sparse class. Mel Kiper, a very well-respected ESPN draft analyst recently explained why Watson didn't deserve the Heisman in a practical, logical and fact filled interview, none of which seemed to matter to my Clemson neighbors. Kiper is not the only national journalist who shares this opinion. Watson's resume is tilted by two NC games, in which he played magnificently. No argument there. However, during the regular season of 2016, with a cadre of the very best receivers in the entire country, Watson averaged 7.9 yds./attempt, not even in the top 30 nationally. He also threw 17 picks, outside the top 100 nationally. Now recall that Clemson played 6 regular season games decided by a TD or less, and all of these facts begin to add up. Yes, he won the Natty with a great game ... but so did Vince Young, remember? Clemson's offense, designed by Chad Morris, relies on flip passes, shotgun snaps exclusively, quick lateral throws and one side reads, with limited check-downs for the QB, ... not exactly great preparation for the NFL. I really hope Watson makes it in the NFL, and can land with a team that will allow him to sit and learn NFL football. However, if he washes out of the league after a couple of seasons, I won't be too surprised either. There is a long list of very successful HUNH college QB's who couldn't cut it in the NFL.
