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What is the most compelling Clemson story line in this week’s NFL Draft?

What’s always oddly comical is the juxtaposition between how high a player is drafted and the value that carries – to the player and public perception – about his value.

Because the obvious answer is how high Deshaun Watson goes in Thursday’s first round.

When what should matter so much more is where Watson goes.

Everyone gets caught up in the debate between Watson and UNC’s Mitch Trubisky, and all invested parties want their guy to go higher. I mean, how else do you explain Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett lobbying to be the No. 1 overall pick when it means exile to the league’s most dysfunctional franchise?

Pride cripples practical reasoning.

Sammy Watkins hasn’t helped matters with his frailty, but going to Buffalo arguably impaired his career. Nuk Hopkins has just about maxed out what he can do without a quarterback. Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett have flourished under a highly regarded defensive mind.

The situation you are put in has such a greater impact to a player’s longevity and trajectory than whether he goes a number spots higher and earns a marginally better payday in the short term.

The teams with top-10 picks are there for a reason, and that’s largely because they lack a differential quarterback.