bad news for Watkins lovers. according to kipper 4 teams ahead of us will be drooling over Watkins and he might go as high as #2. I think the bowl game made him a top 5 lock to be honest.
There really hasn't been a pause in the dominance of Sammy Watkins. And the theme has remained the same.
As a high school senior, he was one of the best players in the country, scoring in every way possible -- catching the ball, running the ball, returning punts, returning kickoffs, picking off passes. At Clemson, he was the best freshman in the country in 2011, catching 82 passes, and even running the ball 32 times, piling up 12 touchdowns. Now that he's declared for the 2014 NFL draft, he finishes with 28 touchdowns over three years, while collecting 240 catches. And while Watkins has grown in his technical ability as a wide receiver, it's always been the same idea: find a way to get the ball in his hands, because he's going to create touchdowns when he gets touches.
He's the top wide receiver on my board, and I think he'll be gone early in the draft. Here's a quick look at his skill set, and the possibilities for where he could land.
The skill set
Most people who watch Watkins play will be surprised that he'll likely measure under 6-foot-1 and in the range of 205-210 pounds at the combine. He plays bigger as a pass-catcher, and he runs bigger with the ball in his hands. Watkins is a great competitor as a pass-catcher, using his strength to create separation with subtle push-offs and he'll then attack the ball with his hands, snatching it away from his body, and using his leaping ability to time and high-point balls above defenders. He's gotten better as a route-runner, eating up space, and using his exceptional acceleration to blow by man coverage unless the cornerback is extremely quick out of his backpedal and has similar straight-line speed. This is the kind of receiver that will constantly demand the attention of a safety over the top.
Watkins' best skill right now is his big-play ability, because he accelerates quicker than most. While he's not particularly elusive, he can run away from or through contact, and will even lower his shoulder on defenders. While he's got good strength for his size, I think he'll need to improve in his ability to get off press coverage and not get slowed down in his routes. Defenses will look for ways to keep him out of that next gear that allows him to separate so easily.
The draft fits
The interesting thing about the draft board is that while a number of teams near the top of the board need quarterbacks, or at least have some major uncertainty at the position, a number of them also need a threat like Watkins at wide receiver. That's why I think he could go as high as No. 2 overall if the Rams stay on that pick. Some potential fits:
St. Louis at No. 2: The Rams could move off the No. 2 pick they have from Washington, but a year after drafting Tavon Austin, they could still use an elite perimeter receiver to challenge for balls in the air and stretch defenses over the top. In a year that could be Sam Bradford's last chance to prove he's the long-term fit at QB, the addition of Watkins would help, and set up any QB to succeed. If you consider Watkins a luxury pick, don't forget the Rams get to draft again in Round 1 at No. 13.
Jacksonville at No. 3: Quarterback is obviously the bigger need, but if the Jags aren't convinced that one of the potentially available QBs is ready to start, or they add someone via free agency or a trade, do they go with the best player available? Watkins could fit.
Oakland at No. 5: Again, QB is a position of need, but the Raiders also have a need at wide receiver, where they have some decent players, but not a star-level talent.
Buffalo at No. 9: Steve Johnson and Robert Woods are both good players, but Watkins would add another level of playmaking ability and be a nice building block to have around a young QB.
Detroit at No. 10: The Lions need to address issues in the secondary, but they also have a need for another talented wide receiver to take some pressure off Calvin Johnson.
It's hard to see Watkins falling past the top 10, but the Titans (11), Rams (13) and Ravens (potentially 16) could also use a player like him.
