What Kind Of Fantasy Value Does Christian Watson Have In Green Bay?
Having the number one pass catcher in an offense led by Aaron Rodgers is something that should peak the interest of every single fantasy owner. Of course, that guy is no longer Davante Adams after the trade that sent him to Las Vegas. On the surface, Christian Watson will have every opportunity to earn that spot vacated by Adams. However, how should we view the rookie wide receiver as a fantasy asset in the short and long term?
Talent and opportunity creates fantasy success. I guess the real question is, how do you view Watson as a pure talent? The Packers took the North Dakota State product in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. If everything goes right for Watson, the Packers probably got themselves another gem in round two. Just like they did with Adams, Randall Cobb, Greg Jennings, and Jordy Nelson. This organization deserves the benefit of the doubt with wide receiver draft picks.
Watson is a really raw prospect and feels very boom or bust. Physically, Watson checks a lot of boxes. Watson checks in at 6-foot-4, 208, with 4.36 speed. That’s a lump of clay that you’re always going to be willing to take a chance on. Obviously, the level of competition playing at NDST makes it harder to evaluate his college tape but the guy showed up and produced at the Senior Bowl.
I think the most concerning part of Watson’s game would probably just be his pure hands. Watson had a bad drop rate (12.7%) in college that has proven to a death nail for many receivers entering the league. How valuable are you if you have bad hands? The point is, Watson feels like a big time wildcard in this draft class.
The good news the opportunity is there and Green Bay has done a great job developing talent. Watson is going to be feed plenty of targets from Aaron Rodgers. More than anything, Rodgers loves having guys he can trust. He will throw the ball to one guy the whole game and doesn’t care if they’re triple teamed. If Watson proves to be a talent, you bet your ass Rodgers will look his way early, often, and all the damn time.
Frankly, there is just no competition on this roster. Romeo Doubs was also drafted in the middle rounds but he’s also a rookie. Randall Cobb is still there but he’s washed up at this point. Allen Lazard is a straight up bum and doesn’t need to even be factored into the equation. Am I supposed to take Sammy Watkins seriously this time? What about Amari Rodgers who likely tops out as a slot guy?
Dynasty owners will obviously have to worry about the Jordan Love factor who appears to be next in line. A lot of things can happen between now and whenever Rodgers decides to call it quits. Who knows, maybe the Packers will draft a totally different quarterback to replace Rodgers. What matters is right now, Watson is in a great landing spot and should be treated as a great gamble fantasy wise.
It’s a loaded wide receiver class from the 2022 NFL Draft. When it comes to fantasy, I’m just not sure how many rookie receivers you’re taking ahead of Watson. I have them ranked a certain way and I’m certain bullish on Watson’s fantasy outlook moving forward.
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