2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after CFP Semifinals

Cleveland just isn’t a place where top college stars want to end up. While it usually means they did something right, getting drafted early by one of the perennial bottom-dwellers, it’s not a place where many have gone to succeed — just ask Johnny Manziel.

If Deshaun Watson didn’t throw so many interceptions, I don’t think there’s any doubt he’d be a top-five draft pick and the first quarterback chosen. However, he has been known to throw the ball into opponents’ hands at a high rate, even tossing two to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl win on New Year’s Eve.

Watson still played well enough to get the win, passing for 259 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 57 yards and two more scores. He has a knack for finding the end zone with his arm and his legs, which causes his draft stock to remain high.

Cleveland has been a graveyard for quarterbacks, so Watson is probably hoping his name isn’t called by the Browns’ front office, but it’s an opportunity for him to potentially start right away and lead an organization from day one. Every young star likes a challenge and his would be making the Browns relevant again.

Cody Kessler was selected last year and looked decent, but he likely isn’t the future. Robert Griffin III is a walking injury report, so I wouldn’t expect him to last too long, either. Could Watson change the Browns’ quarterback luck?