After Friday’s report that Colin Kaepernick will be opting out of his contract for next season, the 49ers look like they will be without a quarterback on their roster by next month.
Priority number one for the new regime of GM John Lynch and presumed head coach Kyle Shanahan is to come up with at least a short term solution at the QB position, or a long term one if they can swing it. One of those long term options could be Clemson quarterback, and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Deshaun Watson, who will likely be available when the 49ers pick at second overall.
Talent evaluators are mixed on Watson, with some saying that he lacks the mechanics required to be considered a first-round pick, while others cite his ability to win (he just led his team over heavily-favored Alabama in the National Championship) as evidence he will be successful at the next level.
49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith is in the latter camp, and told Murph and Mac on Friday morning that he thinks Watson is going to be a great NFL quarterback.
“That’s why they have a job to do,” Smith began regarding how some analysts think Watson is overrated. “(Their) opinion may be different than the next man, but I think that’s what evaluators do. That’s why there’s always a big difference between what you see on TV and what’s on film. Production sometimes doesn’t show the things that could be problematic in the league.”
“In my opinion, I think he’s gonna be a great quarterback. He’s gonna have as good a chance as anyone else that steps into this league, and he has qualities that you can’t teach or coach. So I’m rooting for him. I think he’ll do a great job, but you understand that’s why they evaluate stuff and you love to prove those guys wrong.”
Watson completed 67 percent of his passes in his final season at Clemson, throwing for 4593 yards, 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Watson, a true dual threat, also rushed for 629 yards and nine TDs, after rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2015.
It’s possible Smith could be catching passes from Watson next season, should the 49ers elect to bring the WR back. Smith is under contract until 2020, but is no longer due any guaranteed money if San Francisco cuts him before April 1. San Francisco would have to pay Smith $9,600,000 next season. He was the 49ers’ fourth leading receiver in 2016, finishing with 49 catches for 267 yards and 3 TDs. Smith had his season cut short after sustaining a concussion on December 11.