Rookie Scouting Profile: WR Christian Watson

Christian Watson (WR) North Dakota State

Height	Weight	40-Time	DOB	NFL Draft	Dynasty ADP	NFL Comp
6-4	208	4.36	05/12/1999	Round 2	1.12	Chase Claypool

College Production

After catching 23 passes (8 for touchdowns) as a senior at Plant High School in Tampa, Florida, Watson redshirted his true freshman (2017) season at North Dakota and contributed 9 receptions for 165 yards during the Bisons’ 2018 Division 1 championship run. Was named to the All Missouri Valley Football Conference Second Team in 2019 after posting a 34/732/6 line and an additional rushing score. Promoted to the All-MVFC First Team during the abbreviated 2020 campaign and again in 2021. A four-time FCS champion, Watson also suited up for the 2022 Senior Bowl and stood out in practice all week.

Strengths

• Off the charts metrics, including 96th-percentile 40-yard dash (4.36), 95th-percentile Burst Score (133.5), 97th-percentile catch radius (10.36), and 98th-percentile Speed Score 0f 119.9.

• 38.5-inch vert and 11-foot-4 broad jump indicate an explosive athlete.

• Improved route-running. Uses large frame well to shield off defenders and create space for his quarterback.

• Immense size and catch radius profile as an outstanding option in red-zone and contested-catch situations. Also tracks the deep ball extremely well.

• Has the quickness and strength to defeat press coverage and the speed to turn short throws into big gains.

• Versatile weapon who has lined up in the slot as well as the perimeter. Also piled up 49 rushing attempts for 392 yards (8.0 YPA) and an additional pair of rushing TDs. Also has experience as a returner.

• Outstanding work ethic and NFL bloodline.

Christian Watson is a WR prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 10 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 2 out of 2613 WR from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/WGDb5WvptX #RAS pic.twitter.com/aLnSDCyrS1

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 23, 2022

Weaknesses

• Needs to improve seeing ball all the way into his hands.

• Thin frame could stand to gain 10 lbs. if it had no negative impact on speed.

• While stats are solid, they lack impressive cap considering the lack of NFL-caliber completion faced at NDSU.

• May have higher draft stock with dynasty fantasy community than NFL personnel.

Fantasy Outlook

As mentioned, Watson has been one of the hottest commodities this offseason cycle and his outstanding Combine performance only added fuel to that fire. As long as he doesn’t slip out of the top-100 on draft night, Watson looks like he’ll be selected at the tail end of Round 1 in most rookie-only drafts. He offers solid upside as a WR4/5 in dynasty start-ups and could even be redraft relevant right away if he lands with one of the many WR-needy NFL squads.

Post-Draft Recap

Watson didn’t sneak into Round One but the landing spot could hardly be better. Selected with the second pick of the second round (34th overall) after a trade up, Watson is now a locked-in first-round rookie-only pick with the Packers. Green Bay’s receiving corps is depleted and Watson has the size/speed combination to be a real candidate to emerge as the Packers’ No. 1 wideout. There’s a real shot at instant WR3 numbers right away, which makes Watson an intriguing pick in any format, including mid-to-late round value in redraft leagues.