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2017 NFL Combine: 10 Players to watch from the ACC

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

1. QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson

The Clemson Tigers got revenge on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Quarterback Deshaun Watson’s game-winning touchdown to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow will be on highlight reels for years to come.

Watson set a new career-high in passing yards with 4,593 yards while throwing 41 touchdowns and just 17 interceptions. He really made it a point to stay in the pocket this season and throw and it got the Tigers their first National Championship since 1981. He ran for 629 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2016. In comparison, Watson ran for 1,105 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2015.

Despite leading the ACC in interceptions last season, Watson was still second in the ACC in pass completion percentage at 67.0 percent and first in passing touchdowns. NFL scouts are still a bit skeptical of his ceiling but winning a National Championship certainly alleviates all that doubt.

Next: Three-Round NFL Mock Draft

Watson led the ACC in pass completions and pass attempts in 2015 and 2016. While he proved to be a pocket passer last season, improvising to make plays may be what teams are looking for.

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