Draft Profile Series: Sammy Watkins
- Updated: May 4, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as a mock draft.
Sammy Watkins, WR, 6-1, 212, Clemson
Key stats: Had 101 catches for 1,464 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2013.
Strengths: Possesses good size, speed and physicality. … Running after the catch is where Watkins stands out. … He is special after the catch. … Quick, decisive and powerful while running. … Heads upfield and can either make defenders miss, or drag them for extra yardage. … Very good hands. … Snatches the ball well away from body. … Tracks the ball well and has good body control. … Has good acceleration and gets on top of corners quickly, while also possessing the deep speed to run past defenders.
Weaknesses: Has some concentration lapses that causes him to drop easy passes. … Will need to sharpen his route running. … Wasn’t asked to consistently run a lot of different routes. … Many of his receptions came on quick screens. … Still could add some extra bulk to deal with rigors of NFL.
Conclusion: Watkins runs pretty good routes and has above average speed for a big body. His ability to run after the catch is what separates him from most receivers. Watkins runs with determination, attitude and purpose. His acceleration and power are rare for the position. He really resembles a running back with the ball in his hands. While he may struggle with his route running early in his career, good offensive coordinators will be creative enough to just find ways to get the ball in his hands – whether it is on reverses, screens or even giving him some work in the backfield. He reminds me of a bigger, more physical Percy Harvin. … That’s not a bad thing.
NFL comparison: Sterling Sharpe/Percy Harvin.
Draft projection: Top 5 pick.
Related Posts
About Nick Sardina
