Gainesville High School alum Deshaun Watson was drafted No. 12 overall by the Houston Texans in Thursday’s 2017 NFL Draft.

The Texans traded up for the 12th overall pick from the Browns.

The quarterback out of Clemson racked up 4,593 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in his junior season with the Tigers. Watson also rushed for nine touchdowns last season.

The Texans’ former starting quarterback Brock Osweiler was traded to the Browns in March.

Watson threw 36-of-56 for 420 yards for three touchdowns and no interceptions in Clemson’s National Championship win over Alabama.

Here’s what the internet and NFL fans had to say about Watson going to the Texans:

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Former Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Norman Arey died Oct. 11, 2025 at the age of 84. In addition to sports writing, Arey also co-wrote the popular "Peach Buzz" society column. (Courtesy of the Arey family)

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Thousands of "No Kings" protesters marched down Courtland Street from the Atlanta Civic Center to Liberty Plaza on Saturday. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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