Deshaun Watson is heading into his junior season, which means there will be plenty of speculation about where he ends up in 2017's NFL Draft. There's no way he stays for a senior season barring any injuries or drastic downtick in his play (knock on wood). That means it's time to find his NFL equivalent and while there are probably a few that come to mind, there's one specifically that Pro Football Focus thinks fits best.
Videos by FanBuzz
RELATED: Deshaun Watson is hanging with Cam Newton because why not?
One comparison where they are incredibly similar is their "big-time throws" downfield. Both players are pretty accurate 20 yards or more downfield and can drop it into tight windows. They also take care of the ball pretty according to this table:
The two quarterbacks are also comparable in their negative aspects of the game. Both are prone to bouts of "random inaccuracy" as PFF calls it. Both QBs had a 16 percent inaccuracy percentage, which is defined as off-target incompletions.
RELATED: Nick Saban gives Deshaun Watson ultimate compliment
The following chart consists of actual ball location, and only passes that are on the receivers frame or hitting him in stride are counted as "accurate."
Again, the numbers are pretty similar. If Watson can improve on some of these numbers this year —- especially the inaccuracy stats —- then he should be nearly unstoppable in his campaign for a Heisman trophy. The only things missing from his trophy cabinet are the Heisman and a National Championship trophy so you better believe he's gunning for those before he leaves Death Valley to go pro in 2017.
[h/t Pro Football Focus]
