Height: 6’5”
Weight: 208 pounds
2021 stats: 43 receptions, 801 yards, 18.6 ypr, 7 touchdowns; 15 rushes, 114 yards, 7.6 ypc, 1 touchdown
Key traits: Excellent ball skills. Can high point the football as good as anyone in this class. Was used in a variety of ways at North Dakota State and showed an ability to be effective on end arounds and jet sweeps. He was most effective, though, on play action deep balls. Watson has plus speed and often blew by defenders on shot plays, but when he was guarded closely, he simply jumped higher than they did and secured the ball. What could really boost his draft stock is his kick return ability, for which he was named a 1st team All-American (33.8 ypr). Watson isn’t afraid of contact and is a willing blocker, which, of course, is critical within Baltimore’s offense.
Ideal position: X receiver
Potential draft spot: Round 3, Pick 98
Why he’d be a good fit: Watson presents a unique challenge to any defensive coordinator, especially one that already has to gameplan against Lamar Jackson, J.K. Dobbins, Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, Hollywood Brown, Devin Duvernay, and James Proche. Teams would no longer be able to focus solely on Mark Andrews in the red zone. They could no longer load the box against Jackson and Dobbins on early downs. Most importantly, though, Watson would instantly increase the Ravens’ ability to make big plays (20+ yards), which Coach Harbaugh recently noted was a point of emphasis for the team this offseason. Watson averaged 20.7 yards per reception in his college career.
Cool side note: His dad, Tim, played in the NFL from 1993-97.
Bottom line: Watson reminds me of Mike Evans, a tad lighter, but with better speed. Though I’m usually against the Ravens drafting wide receivers but acquiring them via free agency, I must admit I think Watson would complete the Ravens offense.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.