2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Projections after Week 8

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Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

42. . QB. Clemson. Deshaun Watson. 2. player

Is Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson the second best prospect in this draft class? Probably not. However, the San Francisco 49ers desperately need a franchise quarterback because it has become clear that Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick aren’t the answer.

After a shaky start to the season, Watson has started to find his groove again to help keep the Tigers undefeated. He might not be the biggest guy at 215 pounds, but Watson has a terrific arm and is mobile enough to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs.

The biggest knock on Watson so far is that he tends to stare down his No. 1 option and then take off if the guy isn’t open. That might be due to the offensive system he works with, but NFL scouts will want to see Watson go through his progressions at the next level.

Other than that, Watson looks like a legitimate NFL field general, and he could be a great fit for Chip Kelly’s system in San Francisco.

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