NFL Quarterback Power Rankings 2020: Patrick Mahomes is head of the class

Deshaun Watson still needs to work on performing at a borderline elite level consistently, but he’s already one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Despite playing behind a poor offensive line, Watson is 21-10 since the start of the 2018 season. He’s also made the Pro Bowl in each of those seasons.

The Clemson product won a National Championship in his final collegiate season. Watson is a proven winner who knows how to handle big games. Unfortunately, he’s also constantly facing pressure from opposing pass rushers. Besides Laremy Tunsil, Houston’s offensive line can’t keep defenders off of Watson.

In 2018, Watson took a league-leading 62 sacks, which cost the Texans 384 yards. Watson’s mobility often covers for his offensive line, similar to how Russell Wilson extends plays in Seattle. Watson’s athletic heroics led Houston to an overtime win against the Bills in the Wild Card Round this past season.

Watson faces the greatest challenge of his young professional career in 2020. General manager and head coach Bill O’Brien traded away Watson’s favorite target, DeAndre Hopkins, for draft picks and a declining running back. While Houston did recently acquire Brandin Cooks, the former first-round pick dealt with injuries last season, leaving Texans fans fearing they only added a better version of Will Fuller.