Christian Watson | North Dakota St. 5’10” 195 lbs. | 5/12/1999 (Age 22)
Christian Watson was drafted 34th overall by the Green Bay Packers, becoming the seventh wide receiver taken in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Watson was the leading receiver on the 2019 North Dakota State team which featured Trey Lance at quarterback, with 732 yards receiving. He had 43 receptions for 801 yards his senior year. North Dakota was consistently blowing out their opponents, so you will not see eye-popping volume statistics for Watson. He is explosive, garnering 57 plays of 20+ yards over his college career. When you look at his rate stats they are far more impressive. Watson’s dominator rating was 44.0%. This is 90th percentile among prospects and ranked fifth overall. The receiving yards per team pass attempt was also solid at 3.12.
FILM
Watson vaulted up draft boards after a tremendous Senior Bowl week. He was named the National team’s top receiver. The Athletic reported him as “virtually uncoverable in one-on-one drills”. That said, he is very raw. He used his ridiculous athleticism to get open in college. Watson has a limited route tree but will be attractive to teams in need of a vertical threat. The route running can and will need to be developed.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Watson is an incredible athlete. His size (6’4” 208 lbs.), speed (4.36 40-yard dash), and vertical (38.5 inches) make him a very attractive target for NFL general managers. His bench (18 reps) also proved he had the strength needed to compete at the NFL level.
He scored a 9.96 out of 10 for his Relative Athletic Score and a top ten RAS score all-time for a wide receiver. Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Andre Johnson are some other names in the top ten all-time for relative athletic scores.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
Watson was selected with the 34th-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
This is a tremendous landing spot for Watson. Even if the Packers add a veteran, Watson is matched up with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Rodgers will be able to take full advantage of Watson’s vertical threat.
With Davante Adams gone the Packers need to replace 1,553 yards receiving. Expect Watson to earn a significant target share in this offense lacking premium pass catchers. He has a high ceiling given his extreme athleticism but he is raw and needs to develop.
Watson should go off the board in rookie drafts in the late first or early second round of dynasty rookie drafts.
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