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2017 NFL Draft: 5 Realistic First-Round Targets for Arizona Cardinals

By Tyler Olson

December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) before the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi's Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) before the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi's Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls out the Auburn Tigers defense during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) calls out the Auburn Tigers defense during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Deshaun Watson, QB – Clemson

Aside from a brief hiatus from 2010-2012, the Cardinals have had a fairly consistent force under center. Between Kurt Warner and Carson Palmer, Arizona has had some very successful years. Like Warner was Palmer is quickly coming to the end of a long career. Now’s the time for someone new to come under center and what better time than now.

There are a lot of option available but none have a better track record than Deshaun Watson. He’s coming off a great career as Clemson Tiger including a National Championship victory over Alabama.

Passing Table
Passing
Year School Conf Class G Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int Rate
*2014 Clemson ACC FR 8 93 137 67.9 1466 14 2 188.6
*2015 Clemson ACC SO 15 333 491 67.8 4109 35 13 156.3
2016 Clemson ACC JR 15 388 579 67.0 4593 41 17 151.1
Career Clemson 814 1207 67.4 10168 90 32 157.5

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 3/7/2017.

Arians has been tabbed as a quarterback whisperer. Between Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger he’s been a part of coaching some of the leagues best. That doesn’t even include Andrew Luck (although many will dispute his ranking among NFL quarterbacks).

All of the aforementioned quarterbacks came into the league with high expectations much of which Watson will be doing. It may be a perfect fit for him.

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