We often see top-tier receiving talent fall out of the first round in the NFL Draft. DK Metcalf, AJ Brown, Davante Adams are just a few premier pass-catchers that fell to the second round. This year will be no exception to this trend unless a team gets it together and drafts Christian Watson in round one.
First and foremost North Dakota State’s star receiver is a physical freak. A 4.36 forty yard dash time puts him an elite group. Now consider he moves like that at 6-foot-4 makes it quite the feat. At NDSU he was put into a role that showcased that top-end speed, but limited what he can truly showcase. Go routes were his forte. That adds up considering Watson’s 4.33 yards per route run, a mark that leads the 2022 receiving class.
The numbers Christian Watson put up are middling. In his four years at NDSU, Watson failed to eclipse more than 800 yards and 43 receptions in a single season. However, the role he was thrusted into didn’t set him up to reach his full potential. Sending him straight downfield is just the beginning of what Watson can excel at. The bend and fluidity Watson demonstrates on his releases are a spectacle considering his massive frame. What Watson showed at the Senior Bowl was nothing short of special.
Seeing that sink in his hips gives me confidence that Watson can develop significantly as a route-runner. That combined with his freakish athleticism makes for a high ceiling at the NFL level. At the same time, Watson can still produce as a rookie, he is not simply a project. A big-body that can take the top off the defense is something NFL offenses covet. Watson won’t necessarily be putting up record-breaking numbers right away, but he can be a difference-maker for whoever drafts the NDSU product.
In terms of what teams may be calling Christian Watson on draft day, there is no shortage of suitors. The Packers have a glaring weakness at receiver after the Davante Adams trade. Accordingly, Green Bay owns two first and second round picks to fix that void. Pairing up Christian Watson with Aaron Rodgers would be a seamless transition after the departure of Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Additionally, the New York Jets have been openly searching for new pass-catching options for second year quarterback, Zach Wilson. After missing out on the Tyreek Hill sweepstakes to the division rival Dolphins, I expect them to look to the draft to add firepower to the offense. With two early picks in the second round, Christian Watson may fall right into New York’s lap. The fit of Watson operating alongside Corey Davis and Elijah Moore gives the Jets a young group of weapons that can turn around Zach Wilson’s young career after a disappointing rookie season.
