Poised, impressive and a winner were some of the words that Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien and general manager Rick Smith used to describe former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson. Now, a national championship caliber quarterback is heading to the Lone Star State as a Texan.
Frankly, it was the right move. After the brief roller coaster ride that was the Brock Osweiler experience, the Texans desperately needed to find their quarterback of the future.
Many projections had the Texans taking a quarterback at the 25th pick, but thanks to a trade with the Cleveland Browns and after the Kansas City Chiefs moved up to get Texas Tech gunslinger Patrick Mahomes, the opportunity had presented itself for the Texans to get their guy.
Watson is a winner as evidenced by his 32-3 record in college, but it’s how he’s developed into a winner that makes him special. Whether it was the bounce back from a tough loss against Pitt or the slow start against Ohio State in this past season’s college football playoff, Watson’s ability to stick with it and pull through. It certainly stood out in Rick Smith’s mind on Thursday, telling reporters, “This guy finds a way to speak to the situation and accomplish a goal”.
Smith on Watson: "This guy finds a way to speak to the situation and accomplish a goal – that's what's impressive about him."
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 28, 2017
He’s confident in his abilities and that’s been on full display on the biggest stages in his college career. Watson put up one of the most incredible performances in a championship game I had ever seen in person in the national title game against Alabama in Arizona in defeat. Entering the most recent title game in Tampa, I wasn’t sure he could top it. He did that and more, delivering a scintillating performance and final drive that is forever etched as one of the great moments in college football history.
“I’m a confident player,” Watson told reporters in Philadelphia after being selected Thursday night. “I feel like I can do things that a lot of people can’t do. I feel like I can get the job done when needed.” That’s a sweet sound for Texans fans and players, including one former prominent Clemson alum.
😁
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) April 28, 2017
There’s a lot to learn for the newest Texan from taking more snaps under center to making smarter decisions with the football. There’s also the matter of the other quarterback in the room. O’Brien and Smith both reaffirmed their commitment to Tom Savage as the starter. It’s slowed down the Watson hype train for now.
However, Watson’s day will come. He’s proven himself on the biggest stage to this point and is ready for more.
It’s only a matter of time.
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