2017 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets select Deshaun Watson

With the sixth overall pick in the 2017 Canal Street Chronicles NFL Mock Draft, the New York Jets select:

DeShaun Watson, QB, Clemson (6-foot-3, 210-pounds).

Though the Jets have needs all over their roster to include their entire offensive line, defensive secondary, tight end and a replacement for WR Brandon Marshall, recently added veteran QB Josh McCown just won’t cut it if this team intends on seeing the postseason for the first time since 2010.

Alas, Watson is the first QB off the board in the 2017 draft and, from where I’m sitting, a high value, high character player who meets a critical need for a Jets team that finished 27th in passing in 2016. Sure, the Jets could wait and see what options exist at the position later in the draft, though this strategy has yet to prove effective.

The Jets have selected a QB in four consecutive drafts, though their earliest selection was Geno Smith in the first-third of the second round -

2016 - Christian Hackenburg, Penn State (Round 2, 51st overall)

2015 - Bryce Petty, Baylor (Round 4, 103rd overall)

2014 - Tajh Boyd, Clemson (Round 6, 213th overall)

2013 - Geno Smith, West Virginia (Round 2, 39th overall)

A higher selection won’t necessarily guarantee a better quality or more successful player, but Watson has the resume and traits to be a high-caliber NFL QB.

Coming off of a spectacular National Championship revenge-victory over the then-undefeated (#1) Alabama Crimson Tide (where he was 36/56 passing for 420 yards, 3 TDs and 0 interceptions), Watson bolstered his case as the best QB in his class with strong showings at the NFL combine as well as at his Clemson pro day.

And, for reference, he threw for over 400 yards (405 to be precise) against Alabama in the National Championship the year prior.

The Jets have already shown an interest in Watson, hosting him (along with Mitchell Trubisky, Patrick Mahomes, and DeShone Kizer) for private workouts. As well, factoring in the Jets’ continued early commitments to and investments in defense (8 consecutive first round picks on that side of the ball), it makes sense that they would look to shore up a below-average offense with the most important position of need.

And, if I haven’t convinced you, then take Clemson alumnus (and former New Orleans Saints part-timer) C.J. Spiller’s critical analysis of the pre-draft process.

Draft Results

1. Cleveland Browns - Myles Garrett, DE, TAMU
2. San Francisco 49ers - Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
3. Chicago Bears - Jamal Adams, S, LSU
4. Jacksonville Jaguars - O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
5. Tennessee Titans - Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
6. New York Jets - Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

The San Diego Chargers are on the clock!