Cleveland Browns: Is Deshaun Watson The QB Preference During The Draft?

Could it be that the Cleveland Browns already have the quarterback they want to draft in the 2017 NFL Draft?

There are no elite top of the line quarterbacks in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft. There are no Andrew Luck type quarterbacks that are worthy of a top 10 draft pick. At the same time though, that is not to say the quarterback position is lacking talent. For the Cleveland Browns, that may work in their favor.

Cleveland will need to address the position, along with their offensive line among other areas. However, players can be drafted anywhere who ultimately makes an impact.

So, why rush to draft a quarterback when other areas must be addressed in order for quarterbacks to succeed? Well, that is a discussion for another day, but regardless, Cleveland reportedly has their preference at quarterback during the draft.

According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, Cleveland is enamored with Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.

"I’ve spoken to multiple scouts, one general manager and even a prominent trainer who have all been told the Browns are enamored with Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson—but not at No. 1 overall."

For many, including myself, that is not something I would want to hear. The tie between the two parties could actually be a smokescreen, but given their poor play at quarterback, it does make sense. The good thing though is that Miller reported that the Browns will look to draft him instead with their second first round pick, 12th overall.

"It’s with their second pick in Round 1 that my sources believe the Browns would like to see Watson available."

Now, it remains to be seen if Cleveland will trade up to draft Watson rather than waiting on him at 12. The Browns traded often in last year’s draft and it would not be shocking to see such an approach to continue.

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Could Cleveland trade 12 and a second rounder to move up to draft Watson? If the Browns are antsy enough, it may happen.

Watson is a talented player and was a winner in college. That does not automatically mean he will succeed in the NFL.

After all, there are still a number of holes in his game that cannot be ignored. Of those, what most notably comes to mind are his turnovers and progression/decision-making.

Watson could end up in Cleveland, but there are multiple teams also in the quarterback market. The San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, and New York Jets are just a few of them.

Still, I would not reach for Watson or any other quarterback this season. By using the 12th pick or even a hypothetical trade up would be exactly that: A reach!

Next: Reaction To Daniel Jeremiah's First Mock

With so much time from now until the beginning of the draft, many changes and influences will change. That said, the Browns attraction to Watson is something that won’t go away anytime soon.

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