Breaking: Former Republican Geoff Duncan enters Georgia governor’s race as Democrat
Sports
Sports

Fans react to Texans drafting Gainesville’s Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson of Clemson poses with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked #12 overall by the Houston Texans during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Deshaun Watson of Clemson poses with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked #12 overall by the Houston Texans during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
By Juliakate E Culpepper
April 28, 2017

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:

About the Author

Juliakate E Culpepper
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42) fights for possession during the first half of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Gateway Center Arena on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Atlanta.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

‘Whole new ballgame’: Dream’s defense cools down Fever in Game 1 win

Second and fourth quarters prove to be the difference in first playoff win in seven years.

Dream’s mission continues: Defeat the Fever, avoid do-or-die Game 3

With semifinals within reach, Atlanta seeks to handle business Tuesday in Indiana instead of risking a winner-take-all game back home.

Howard, Gray help Dream open playoffs the right way

The Latest

The Atlanta Dream logo is seen on display on the center court at the Gateway Center Arena before the first-round playoff game between the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Dream’s mission continues: Defeat the Fever, avoid do-or-die Game 3

Atlanta TV sports listings

‘Whole new ballgame’: Dream’s defense cools down Fever in Game 1 win

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

A Braves fan took a ball to the face. The team may be liable, judges say.

The Atlanta Braves and former right fielder Jorge Soler face a lawsuit by a fan hit in the eye with a ball during a World Series game at Truist Park in 2021.

Joro spiders multiply across Georgia, spinning their pesky webs

The invasive species has multiplied rapidly in Atlanta in the last three years, research shows.

Ford settles billion-dollar Georgia lawsuits over fatal wrecks

Ford Motor Co. has settled two Georgia lawsuits that elicited record-setting jury verdicts of $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion, ending more than a decade of litigation.