|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,651 Likes: 280
Legend
|
OP
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,651 Likes: 280 |
Two down thumper who can blitz. Poor in pass coverage according to ESPN.
Last edited by Pdawg; 04/27/24 05:37 PM.
#gmstrong
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 71,071 Likes: 534
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 71,071 Likes: 534 |
and I'd expect him to be integral on the new STs kickoffs
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,739 Likes: 1331
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,739 Likes: 1331 |
j/c...
From Dane Brugler:
STRENGTHS: Outstanding height-weight-speed athlete … has initial burst and fluidity to accelerate quickly to the ball … shows the functional range to make plays outside the numbers at either sideline … quick to read from depth and work around the trash … zeroes on t he ball carrier and runs his feet on contact … tackling discipline improved each season, and his missed tackles declined each season … some of his best tape comes from shooting gaps and finding vulnerable spots on the offensive line (led the SEC in sacks in 2023) … extensive special teams experience (576), mostly on kick coverages … highly productive, and Watson and Jett Johnson became the first pair of teammates to finish first and second in tackles in the SEC in back -to-back years … finished his career starting 35 straight games.
WEAKNESSES: His lateral agility is more average than above average … aggressive flow opens the door for cutback opportunities for ball carriers … takes the cheese on misdirection and play fakes … will attack climbing blocks, but his disengage strength is ordinary … l ate to turn and find the football in coverage, giving backs or tight ends the chance to separate … allows his emotions to get the best of him at times (threw a punch on the 2022 Memphis tape; missed a game in high school after punching the ground and requiring surgery to repair the resulting fracture) … off-field decision-making will be scrutinized by NFL teams — arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (May 2023); arrested during his final semester of high school and charged with felony first-degree assault and traffic violations (February 2018), after his drag racing resulted in property damage and injuries to the passenger in his car … younger for his grade, but will be a 24-year-old NFL rookie.
SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Mississippi State, Watson was the Mike linebacker in former head coach Zach Arnett’s 3 -3-5 base scheme. After finishing No. 2 in the SEC in tackles in 2022, he led the SEC with 137 tackles in 2023 and his 11.4 tackles per game ranked sixth-best in the FBS, earning him SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors from the Associated Press. With his first-step burst and tracking skills, “Bookie” Watson was a tackling machine in college, including a 21 -tackle performance vs. Southern Miss in 2023 (most by an SEC player in a game over the last five years). His versatility as a blitzer is a plus, although he can st ruggle opening up and making plays in coverage. Overall, Watson’s average agility and erratic instincts lead to inconsistencies, but he has size, quick reaction speed and tackling skills to fill up the stat sheet. He will need to shine on special teams to lock up a backup role for an NFL defense.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 38,884 Likes: 857
Legend
|
Legend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 38,884 Likes: 857 |
Those are the guys you are looking for at this point. He has some baggage that holds him down but also shows up on the stat sheet. Ole Miss is a good team in a strong conference. Bring him in for a look in camp and see what it brings. Not much risk if it doesn't work and a big upside if it does.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,660 Likes: 87
Hall of Famer
|
Hall of Famer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,660 Likes: 87 |
Takitaki replacement at SAM
|
|
|
DawgTalkers.net
Forums The Archives 2024 NFL Season 2024 NFL Draft Pick 206 6th Rd Nathaniel Watson
Lb Miss St