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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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
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