2017 NFL Rookie Projections: Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson

The Houston Texans selected quarterback Deshaun Watson with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. In Part 12 of a 32-article series, a look at his projections as a rookie.

The Houston Texans foolishly decided to give Brock Osweiler a four year, $72 million contract during the 2016 NFL free agency period.

One year later, Osweiler was traded to the Cleveland Browns after a miserable 2016 season, relieving the Texans of his contract. The team went on to select former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, after trading up to the 12th pick from the 25th.

Watson was the most “pro-ready” quarterback in this draft after starting for 2.5 years at Clemson and leading them to two National Championship games, winning the big one in 2016. He completed 814 of his 1207 career pass attempts for 10,168 yards and 90 touchdowns vs. 32 interceptions, and added 1934 yards on 435 rushes for 26 touchdowns.

More from Houston Texans

• Texans: Positive vibe still emanating from Houston
• CJ Stroud, DeMeco Ryans expected to establish a new culture with Texans
• NFL Schedule: 5 Franchises that will benefit from a weak strength of schedule
• The Houston Texans are going to be better than you think in 2023
• NFL 2023: Ranking the 5 worst wide receiver groups in the league

Watson has been impressive in training camp and team activities so far since landing in Houston, according to SI.com. He is currently listed as the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart behind Tom Savage. But if Watson continues to “wow” his coaches, I wouldn’t be shocked if Watson was the Week 1 starter for the Texans.

Inheriting a very talented roster will only do Watson favors, and it gives him a chance to find success immediately. He has a bell-cow running back in Lamar Miller and a top-tier wide receiver in DeAndre Hopkins to rely on.

What’s more, he’s backed by a defense led by J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus, Benardrick McKinney, and Kareem Jackson that can dominate opposing teams.

Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Best players by jersey number

If Watson is the Week 1 starter like I believe he will be, I think he will throw for complete 60 percent of his passes for 3,600 yards and 19 touchdowns with 10 interceptions in his rookie season. The question is, does he get the starting nod?