In the coming NFL draft, one that many believe is flushed with talent at wide receiver, Clemson’s Sammy Watkins stands head-and-shoulders above the others in the group.
In the pre-draft process, Watkins hasn’t hurt his status and should hear his name called within the first 10 picks May 8 at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
After a dazzling Pro Day at Clemson’s indoor facility in March, Watkins went for private workouts and consistently gave elite performances.
“He’s a big, explosive man,” ESPN analyst Jon Gruden said. “He was able to run after the catch at Clemson.”
Watkins had issues at Clemson, but was straight forward in explaining his 2012 arrest on two misdemeanor drug charges that have since been expunged.
“What sets Sammy apart is his sincerity and passion for the game,” Gruden said. “Everyone I’ve talked to has come away very impressed with Watkins’ passion to be great and to put forth a tremendous work ethic.”
Last season, Watkins caught 101 passes for 1,464 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was unstoppable against Ohio State in Clemson’s thrilling Orange Bowl victory.
Watkins is considered the next big and athletic receiver in the mode of Detroit’s Calvin Johnson, Cincinnati’s A.J. Green and the Falcons’ Julio Jones. He could go as high as the second pick and most certainly won’t slip past Tampa Bay, which has the seventh pick.
“I’m watching Sammy Watkins take the stage as he gets measured, and I think he was 6-1 and 211 pounds,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll said. “OK, what separates that guy? What makes him such a great football player? It’s all the other elements.
“It’s not his height, weight, speed. It’s all the other stuff that’s been part of his makeup, his gifts.”
Also, Detroit, which is searching for a wide receiver, may attempt to move into the top 10 to draft Watkins and pair him with Johnson, the former Georgia Tech standout.
“It’s something obviously that we have to really take a real strong look at, obviously, because of the fact that (Johnson) is going to draw a little extra attention in terms of double coverage like he’s always done,” Detroit coach Jim Caldwell said. “And with that being the case, we have to find a way to make certain whoever’s on the other side that may be getting singled in some situations, can do some damage.”
Doing damage was Watkins’ calling card for the Tigers. In three seasons he set 23 school records, including career receptions (240), receiving yards (3,391) and touchdowns (27 touchdowns, tied with DeAndre Hopkins).
Some contend that Watkins needs to become a more precise route-runner, something Watkins acknowledges he needs to improve to “become a dominant player in the NFL.”
He is not as tall as Johnson, Green or Jones, but he still plays with the same dynamic flair. He can dominate defenders, and double-coverage doesn’t seem to distract him.
“I try to be physical out there on the field as far as getting off press, blocking down the field,” Watkins said. “To be that dominant receiver, I need to have that total package.”
After Watkins, there is a load of talent at wide receiver. NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock believes that six receivers will be selected in the first round and that teams can find quality at the position well into the third.
If the Lions can’t trade up to get Watkins, Mayock said they would be just fine sitting at the 10th spot and taking Texas A&M’s Mike Evans, a 6-5, 231-pound former basketball player who can dominate cornerbacks when a steady diet of back-shoulder passes are thrown his way.
“Evans is a completely different receiver than Watkins, at least on the tape I’ve seen,” Gruden said. “Evans plays on the right side of the formation. He is in a no-huddle offense. … He’s a big ‘X’ receiver that is a prototype split end.”
Mayock projects LSU’s Odell Beckham Jr., Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks, USC’s Marqise Lee and Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin as first-round picks.
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