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Meet the Prospects: Watson, Trubisky, Kizer vying for top QB status

Streeter Lecka / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Get to know the top prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft, most of whom will take the field at the NFL Scouting Combine from March 3-5.

Quarterbacks

Deshaun Watson, Clemson

Age: 21 Height: 6'3" Weight: 215 lbs.

2016 stats: 4,593 passing yards, 41 TDs, 17 INTs, 629 rushing yards, 9 TDs

The two-time Heisman finalist and leader of the 2016 national champions is likely to be the first quarterback taken come April. Watson has elite level intangibles, showcases impressive touch and anticipation, and is a dynamic dual-threat. However, his lack of polish is what's keeping him from being a possible No.1 overall pick. Watson's game-to-game consistency as a passer is a concern, as is his decision-making and penchant for interceptions. While Watson's arm strength won't dazzle, it's more than enough for the NFL level, and could improve with mechanical fixes. While the former Clemson standout isn't an elite-level prospect, his experience and solid skill set should make him a lock for the top 10.

Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina

Age: 22 Height: 6'3" Weight: 220 lbs.

2016 stats: 3,748 passing yards, 30 TDs, 6 INTs, 308 rushing yards, 5 TDs

Trubisky shot up draft boards following a breakout 2016 season, and it would now be a shock if he isn't selected in the top half of the first round. Like Watson, Trubisky doesn't possess enough elite traits to be considered a slam-dunk franchise player, but his size, impressive accuracy, and above-average arm talent could cause teams to swoon. The 22-year-old is somewhat of a risk considering he has just one year of starting experience and he might be best served sitting behind a veteran to start his career, honing his pocket presence and skills under center. But if questions about his size are resoundingly answered at the combine, Trubisky could leapfrog Watson.

DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame

Age: 21 Height: 6'4" Weight: 230 lbs.

2016 stats: 2,925 passing yards, 26 TDs, 9 INTs, 472 rushing yards, 8 TDs

Kizer might be the biggest boom-or-bust quarterback prospect in this year's draft. After being forced into the lineup in 2015, the 21-year-old showcased top-level talent, taking defenses apart with his enviable arm strength and strong rushing ability. If the former Notre Dame pivot had continued his strong play into the 2016 season, he could have been a lock to be the first passer off the board. Instead, Kizer struggled, with his weaknesses as a passer - namely poor decision-making and anticipation - coming to the forefront. While some teams won't be able to overlook his inconsistency and losing record in 2016, Kizer's high ceiling means someone will take a shot on him in the first round.

Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech

Age: 21 Height: 6'3" Weight: 215 lbs.

2016 stats: 5,052 passing yards, 41 TDs, 10 INTs, 285 rushing yards, 12 TDs

The final quarterback prospect before a noticeable drop-off in talent, Mahomes has the type of traits that make evaluators fall in love but ones that also will make teams uneasy about taking him in the first few rounds. The former Texas Tech standout is certainly polarizing, but in a league starved of quarterback talent, it's hard to see him slipping to the second. The biggest question marks of Mahomes' game is his transition from the simple spread offense, his desire to go off script too often, and inconsistent mechanics. But if teams believe those are fixable, they'll land a player with a rare combination of top-notch deep-ball ability, gunslinger mentality, above-average athleticism, and instinctive accuracy.

Brad Kaaya, Miami

Age: 21 Height: 6'4" Weight: 216 lbs.

2016 stats: 3,532 passing yards, 27 TDs, 7 INTs

Kaaya is one of the more advanced prospects in terms of understanding nuances of the quarterback position. He's a three-year starter who plays within himself and relies on solid mechanics and the strengths of his pro-style system to succeed. Unfortunately, the former Miami passer doesn't possess the physical talents of a top prospect. He's a classic statue in the pocket, doesn't have the arm strength to consistently make NFL throws, and his accuracy beyond the short area of the field is spotty at best. While he could be a starter in the right system, his limitations could cause teams to see him as nothing more than a top-tier career backup.

Davis Webb, Cal

Age: 22 Height: 6'5" Weight: 229 lbs.

2016 stats: 4,295 passing yards, 37 TDs, 12 INTs

After losing his starting job to Mahomes at Texas Tech, Webb opted to replace Jared Goff at Cal and performed solidly in 2016. The 22-year-old possesses a prototypical build for an NFL quarterback and a decent arm. However, his accuracy was generally poor, and there are questions about his ability to run an NFL offense and his poise in the pocket. Webb is a clear developmental project for a team with an aging but established starter.

Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh

Age: 22 Height: 6'3" Weight: 225 lbs.

2016 stats: 2,855 passing yards, 27 TDs, 7 INTs, 286 rushing yards, 3 TDs

An unremarkable college career meant Peterman was fairly lost in a sea of mid- to late-round prospects, but a solid outing at the Senior Bowl helped him separate from the pack somewhat. The former Pitt standout is unlikely to blow people away with any single trait, and his arm is just off NFL quality, but he's a jack-of-all-trades. He possesses solid pocket presence and ability to deliver under pressure, his anticipation and accuracy are consistency above average, and he's fairly polished after working in a pro-style offense.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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