In fact here is a clip from what NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein had to say about him.
“Tremendous leader and winner. Good pocket posture with quiet upper body. Good pocket mobility and doesn’t show much panic when pocket gets noisy. Sacked just 32 times over his last 1,181 drop-backs. Willing to stand in and deliver the ball against rib-wreckers on a clear path for him. Has history of clutch play in big games and big moments.”
It’s also interesting that Watson draws close comparisons to current Tennessee Titans stud Marcus Mariota. For those who don’t remember, the Bears were rumored to have interest in trading up for him when he came out of Oregon in 2015. Now that Chicago is in much better position with the #3 overall pick, this could be the opportunity Pace has waited for. Never mind the fact that Watson succeeded where Mariota failed by winning a national championship.
What continues to hold people back on him is the accuracy and decision-making questions. Watson threw 17 interceptions in 15 games last season. At times he can get a little careless with the ball and his placement is erratic on occasion. Valid concerns. However, there is something worth noting. Of the five games where he threw two or more interceptions, he still managed to put up an average of 36.4 points per game. On top of that? He was near perfect down the stretch, scoring 21 touchdowns to just four interceptions over the final five games.
One of the duties of a good GM or good head coach is doing something that is difficult this time of year. Don’t overthink a big decision. If it looks and feels like a player will help the Bears win football games, don’t get caught up in the nitpicking. Take him. Assuming Pace and Fox remain true to their principles, Watson may very well be their guy.
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