Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut
No, he really doesn't.
No more so than Usain Bolt does.
He's just tall and fast in a straight line. That's like - 2 of the tools in the world. Squint and you can get to 3. I believe there are a few more than that necessary to be an effective receiver.
He can't get off a jam, he doesn't have an NFL route tree and most critically, he can't catch the ball. Methinks he doesn't have all the tools. And in fact, he's missing most of the critical ones.
Kid's not gonna see a second contract in this league.
|
Comparing the go route which I posted from the North/South tryouts to this go route on play 1 though, it does seem like he's been coached up. Attacks the CB's inside shoulder the first 7-8 yards and when the CB makes his pivot step to the inside, he immediately attacks the CB's outside shoulder. Watson on this play is insanely wide open- 4 yards of separation.
Route running can definitely improve with good coaching and reps, he'll get that at the NFL level. Getting off of a jam can improve with good coaching, and being 6'4 with a long wingspan helps. He isn't going to see press coverage all the time, good scheme and coaching can try to limit those opportunities.
Watson's catching ability is definitely cause for concern, but I'm not ready to write him off yet. Speed kills, obviously plenty of big fast guys have failed in the past but Green Bay knew Watson was a low floor/high ceiling guy when they drafted him. I don't think it's reasonable to think he was going to step in and be a major contributor. Missed a lot of training camp time also, I would start to worry if by the tail end of the season he hasn't taken a step forward.
I think the situation in Green Bay exacerbates Watson's development, the Packers need someone from their WR's to step up majorly. Watson's ideal landing spot would have been a WR room where he can marinate for awhile.