2017 NFL mock drafts: 2 mock drafts with DeShaun Watson in decidedly different spots

The 2017 Senior Bowl took place this past weekend, marking the end of the all star game period of the pre-draft process. The next step is the 2017 NFL Combine at the end of February. In the meantime, there is plenty to assess and consider from the past two weeks.

We’ll have position rankings over the next three weeks, but in the meantime, I thought we would have some members of our draft analysis team offer up 2017 NFL mock drafts following the Senior Bowl. Greg Valerio and LI49er have put together a pair of first round mock drafts. I have dropped that in below, but first, here is what they had to say about their respective 49ers picks.

Greg

Myles Garrett, OLB - Texas A&M: With the Cleveland Browns grabbing their quarterback of the future in Clemson's Deshaun Watson (a reach from my perspective, but a move I can see them making), the 49ers will sprint to the podium selecting a potential perennial all-pro type of player solidifying an area of need as an ideal threat off the edge. Garrett brings a perfect blend of size, length, fluidity, speed, instincts, agility, power, high character, and athleticism. An outstanding pass rusher both off the edge and inside (shows great awareness in stunts) constantly commanding double and triple teams, Garrett is explosive (absolutely terrific first-step) with excellent flexibility, elite quickness, burst, bendability, and acceleration with insane closing speed. Garrett was hampered this season with an injury limiting his production, but when healthy he is an elite talent boasting a high football IQ with physical traits and superior athleticism capable of becoming a dominant playmaker at the next level.

If the Cleveland Browns draft Myles Garrett with their first pick, I fully expect the 49ers making every effort to trade down.

LI49er

Deshaun Watson, QB - Clemson: I fully expect Myles Garrett to be the first player taken in this year’s draft, whether that team is Cleveland or a team that trades up to the first pick. There are mixed opinions of Watson, with some having him as high as the first overall pick, and others grading him out of the first round all together. With a new regime taking over in San Francisco led by offensive minded Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers will want to make a big splash with their first pick in the draft. The 49ers need a QB, and a player who can be the face of the franchise both on and off the field. For his career, Watson threw for over 10,000 yards and 90 touchdowns, all while going 33-3 at Clemson, and leading the Tigers to back-to-back national championship games, winning the latter against one of the greatest college defenses of all time. Watson can make all the throws asked of him, has mobility, fantastic work ethnic, and his character on and off the field is second to none. What separates Watson from the other QB’s in this year’s draft is the IT factor, his leadership skills, and his resilient, will-to-win mindset. Simply put it…his intangibles are off the charts. Watson is not completely polished and has his flaws, but I firmly believe he is the top QB in this year’s draft. He will need to learn a pro style offense, run a huddle, and take snaps under center, however with patience and time to grow I believe Watson can be successful at the next level. Many believe taking a QB at pick No. 2 is both a reach and a risk, and I completely understand that, however if Shanahan believes Watson is his guy, then they need to pull the trigger.

The ideal situation would be for the 49ers to trade down and acquire Watson, while netting more draft capital.