2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Christian Watson
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: North Dakota State
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 208lbs
Film Watched: Valparaiso 2021, Albany 2021, South Dakota 2019
Pro's:
- Long, tall receiver with the speed and agility to be a threat at every level of the field
- Natural separator; able to use speed on long routes and technique in short areas to get open
- Catches EVERYTHING. Hands like glue that rip the ball out of the air
- Displays excellent body control to adjust to the flight of the ball and box out DB’s on the sideline
- Aware of vulnerabilities in zone defenses and sits in pockets to offer an outlet
- Physical when climbing the ladder, and unperturbed by hand fighting at the point of catch
- Good acceleration speed to break into the open field with the ball in his hands
- Versatile, able to be used in any alignment
- Ascending draft stock – tested very well in the pre-draft process
Christian Watson is a WR prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.98 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 5 out of 2557 WR from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/WGDb5WvptX #RAS via @Mathbomb pic.twitter.com/WoLREjmUPh
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 4, 2022
Con's:
- Dominated against lower level of competition, and the learning curve may be steep
- Want more muscle mass on his frame, and particularly more lower body strength
- Defeating press coverage is tricky – can have his ealy route stem disturbed by handsy attention
- Outruns tackles but breaking them isn’t an area of strength. Vulnerable to leg tackles
- Committed blocker, but bigger corners are able to shed his contact and get to the ball carrier
The Verdict:
“A tall, long receiver with impressive straight line speed, Christian Watson is surprisingly nimble and able to work congested areas of the field very well. An exciting blend of acceleration and sure hands make him an intriguing option as an outside receiver, but there’s certainly a skillset there to operate a slot role too, and not just one that attacks the seam. Whilst it’s easy to say Watson shined against FCS defenses, his performance at the Senior Bowl showed that he’s ready to handle the step up in competition. Any team targeting Christian Watson will likely need to fork out a day two pick for him following an impressive buildup to the draft, and will want him in the weight room and getting stronger throughout his core. A high character prospect with plenty yet to come, Christian Watson will make an impact in the NFL quicker than you might think.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: GABE DAVIS
PREDICTION: 2ND ROUND PICK
5/5