Christian Watson was a good receiver on the school stage, however the Watson narrative must be put again into perspective.
In 4 video games in 2021, other than two deep passes the place Watson managed to get behind school division excessive schoolers, he was nothing particular towards North Iowa, South Dakota, Missouri State, Illinois State and Jap Washington (spring).
This was additional confirmed by Watson's general school profession. Watson completed final season because the thirty fourth ranked receiver within the FCS.
2021: 43 receptions, 800 yards (18.6 avg.), 7 touchdowns
2020: 18 receptions, 437 yards (24.3 avg.), 1 landing
2019: 34 receptions, 732 yards (21.5 avg.), 6 touchdowns
2018: 9 receptions, 165 yards (18.3 avg.), 0 touchdowns
Does this seem like a primary spherical resume?
My challenge just isn’t with Watson, his accomplishments, or the state of North Dakota.
My challenge is with this story that catapulted Watson into the primary spherical dialogue.
As somebody who was employed to work with Corridor of Fame coach Invoice Parcells, it's absurd to assume that Watson belongs in the identical sentence as revolutionary receivers like Garrett Wilson, Treylon Burks or Jameson Williams.
Why?
That is the No. 1 rule of small faculty prospects in scouting: a prospect must be dominant at this stage to actually have a probability.
Watson didn’t dominate.
His 4.36 40-yard sprint on the Mix doesn't present up in any respect on sport movie within the quick to intermediate components of the sector.
Watson was barely in a position to create sufficient separation from smaller faculty corners in man protection on the mid-route stage. The hatches have been tight.
He didn't appear to alter path sharply even on the high of the routes. He struggled a bit going out and in of breaks. Actually, his methods didn't even appear all that polished — or disciplined.
Watson was typically stopped proper after receptions and was unable to select up YAC (yardage after the catch).
He was elusive within the open discipline. When he did choose up yardage after the catch, it was within the delicate spots of zone protection and he was in a position to take what was wanted.
That Mix pace didn't present up on rushes or passes when he was lined up within the backfield both. Watson saved making an attempt to hit the sting and switch the nook.
Watson additionally seemed as common as common on bubble screens might be.
Watson is extra of an extended distance runner who has pace to construct. Takes time (too lengthy) to succeed in full pace (which is the place Watson's deep straight line pace comes into play).
49ers followers can solely hope that basic supervisor John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan don't entertain the concept of buying and selling Deebo Samuel and choosing Watson as a substitute.
Watson couldn't maintain Samuel's Gatorade cup.
At greatest, Watson is a fourth-seventh spherical prospect (not on my huge board) and even then, groups must know they're getting a receiver who will attempt to create separation within the NFL.
Whereas Watson's glorious focus and long-distance pace are his greatest attributes, his deep sport leaves one thing to be desired. Watson inconsistently aimed excessive to the deep ball, his vertical was common, as was his means to regulate to the ball.
There's no manner the common athlete who doesn't have that coveted second gear or slam on the ball goes to be within the first spherical dialogue.
There is no such thing as a manner a receiver with a restricted catch radius (the flexibility to catch passes thrown too excessive or too low) must be a part of the primary spherical dialogue.
As well as, Watson lacks competitiveness. There was an excessive amount of play, he took his foot off the gasoline and you could possibly inform he wasn't going full throttle.
Watson's first-round nonsense ends right here.
He was the seventh greatest receiver within the Missouri Valley Convention final season for a purpose.
Groups want to observe these 4 video games earlier than the draft and transfer Watson down earlier than it's too late.
The film doesn't lie.