The Deshaun Watson to DeAndre Hopkins connection has just rolled into Houston. After the 2017 NFL Draft, the two Clemson stars are ready to set Reliant Stadium on fire. When is the last time anyone spoke about the quarterback situation for the Houston Texans and was happy with the man behind center?
After the Brock Osweiler debacle, the Texans made a valiant move from 25th in the NFL Draft to 12th where they selected Watson. Much to the delight of fans in the state of Texas. If everything is bigger in the Lone Star state, then so are expectations. Can a rookie signal caller win in the NFL. More importantly, can he take a playoff team from last year further and potentially to a Super Bowl berth?
Watson’s legacy in college, with two National Title appearances and a championship under his belt, says it is a strong possibility.
The credit should go to Texans’ general manager Rick Smith, who was aggressive with the move to trade up. For one thing, he offered the Cleveland Browns the moon and stars to get their man. A first round pick this year and next year is a hefty price to pay – one the fans hope is worth it.
As Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today pointed out, Watson may be the only quarterback taken in the first round who will start. Both Mitchell Trubisky and Patrick Mahomes may sit and learn.
“Smith said that Tom Savage will start for Houston, but Watson has the best shot any of the rookie passers to play early.
“If Savage struggles – even as early as training camp – Watson could even start from Day One. But if Savage proves he can at least be competent, then Houston will have the luxury of easing Watson along. O’Brien raved about Watson’s recall during their three-hour formal interview. So, Houston likely won’t shy away from putting a lot on the rookie’s plate. O’Brien’s offense is fairly complex in its verbiage, so though it may take some time, Watson should be up for the job.”
And if he starts and both he and Hopkins connect on offense, the Houston Texans could be well on their way to making a deep run in the playoffs. Something that is a foreign concept for this franchise.
Here is a look at the Houston Texans draft picks with analysis of this weekend’s NFL Draft.
Draft picks: Clemson QB Deshaun Watson, Vanderbilt LB Zach Cunningham, Texas RB D’Onta Foreman, Bucknell T Julie’n Davenport, Clemson DT Carlos Watkins, Oregon State CB/S Treston DeCoud, Baylor C Kyle Fuller
Analysis: Shrewd moves. Watson is the star of this class, but grabbing Cunningham is a perfect fit for this franchise. He is a linebacker with a relentless motor. Foreman will be a solid backup to Lamar Miller. Davenport is a solid backup and Watkins may get more playing time than many think. All of these moves show how well Smith scouted talent.
Grade: A – How could you not like what the Houston Texans have done here? Watson is worth the gamble. The other picks are solid. There is depth all around and when you think about it, JJ Watt will play this season.
Houston and Tennessee will fight for the AFC South title. Watson could be the difference in where this team finishes in 2017.