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NFL Draft 2017: Top 10 draft prospects from the ACC

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) reacts after a touchdown in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) reacts after a touchdown in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson is a player who shook off a lot of demons in 2016. He won ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year in 2015 but he won the ultimate prize in 2016: a National Championship.

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He was first in passing completions in 2015 (333) & 2016 (388), using his legs a lot less last season. It largely paid off for him with targets like Mike Williams, Artavis Scott, and Hunter Renfrow in the passing game. He was a 67.4 percent passer in three seasons at Clemson, throwing for 90 touchdowns and 10,168 passing yards.

Watson also has his memorable game-winning touchdown pass against Alabama to win the National Championship under his belt. He ran for just 629 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns in 2016. In 2015, he had 1,105 rush yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. He developed tons as a quarterback at Clemson but was also first in the ACC and second in the FBS in interceptions in 2016 (17). He was second in the ACC in interceptions in 2015 (13).

Watson will need to show teams he can limit his turnovers at the next level to be a successful quarterback. He could just point to his performances against the Alabama defense. Watson threw for 825 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns and an interception in two games. He has the potential to be a first-round option for the Cleveland Browns but could get picked up in the later rounds.

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