​How Clemson QB Deshaun Watson Can Earn Spot Atop 2017 NFL Draft​

Year-round followers of the NFL draft are already well aware that Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson is among a handful of prospects in contention to be the No. 1 pick in 2017 NFL draft.

ESPN.com's Mel Kiper recently ranked Watson No. 4 overall on his early big board, and as the only quarterback in Kiper's top 10, that clearly makes him a favorite for the No. 1 pick.

But it's important to remember that this is still an early projection, especially for a 20-year-old quarterback coming off his true-sophomore campaign.

When an early favorite to go No. 1 overall ends up falling in the following draft, we often hear comments along the lines of: "well, if he turned pro last year he would have…