Deshaun Watson a real possibility for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2017 NFL Draft?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have seemed content to stand pat at the quarterback position, but is someone like Deshaun Watson an option in the draft?

After a fantastic sophomore season, Blake Bortles seemed firmly cemented as the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback of the future. Sure, Bortles had some doubters, but he set franchise records for touchdown passes and passing yards in only his second season and he did so with what we’ve come to learn was the worst head coach in the history of the NFL.

Unfortunately, Bortles regressed mightily in 2016, consistently turning the ball over and putting his defense in tough situations. Many expected the Jaguars to bring in some type of veteran competition at the position, but free agency has effectively come and gone with the status quo in place.

So the Jaguars will head into the 2017 season with the same quarterback depth chart they had during 2016’s terrible 3-13 campagin.

Or will they?

Steve Palazzolo over at Pro Football Focus recently released a mock draft with some bold projections, including a trade up to the 2nd spot where the New York Jets draft Mitch Trubisky. But his biggest shocker comes at number 4 with the Jaguars’ selection:

"4. Jacksonville JaguarsDeshaun Watson, QB, ClemsonThis pick is another shocker in the draft. Even with QB Blake Bortles on the roster, the Jaguars grab Watson at No. 4 as the quest to find a top signal-caller continues. Bortles was seemingly on the right path in 2015, but a poor 2016 is enough for the Jaguars to look for insurance in Watson, who can throw with accuracy and touch. His best throws are quite impressive, and he’ll make plenty of them, but he’ll also miss his fair share, and he has work to do as far as working through progressions and maneuvering the pocket. However, Watson consistently shows the ability to bounce back from mistakes, and he’s been one of the nation’s top-graded quarterbacks the last two seasons, doing his best work down the stretch."

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

• Jacksonville Jaguars keeping TE Evan Engram in 2023 one way or another
• The Jacksonville Jaguars should take a chance on Kenny Golladay
• Jaguars: The first overall pick may be coming to the AFC South
• Addressing the Jacksonville Jaguars defense is pivotal in 2023
• 5 draft prospects the Jacksonville Jaguars must keep an eye on in the 2023 NFL Combine

This would be a shocking move by the Jaguars. While they certainly need to address the quarterback position in some way, this would send a confusing message to both the fanbase and the coaching staff.

The Jaguars are clearly gearing up to try and win games now, but many think they still need to upgrade significantly at quarterback. Tasking a rookie quarterback with that burden is a risky proposal, even someone as seasoned and refined as Watson.

This move would also essentially end Bortles’ time with the Jaguars. The team still hasn’t picked up the former 3rd overall pick’s 5th year option, and he would almost certainly be off the roster in 2018.

I think the Jaguars will definitely draft a quarterback this year, just not in the first round. I think it’s much more likely they target an immediate impact guy like a running back (Fournette or Cook) or a defensive lineman (Solomon Thomas, Jonathan Allen).

Regardless, this is a fun projection and would certainly throw the rest of the draft into a frenzy.