This wide receiver class is one of the best we have ever seen, and Sammy Watkins is the best at the position. Watkins will be taken in the top 10, and could be a star at the next level.
College: Clemson
Ht: 6010
Wt: 211 pounds
Strengths
Speed: If you have seen Clemson play over the last three seasons, without question number two has stuck out. Number two is Sammy Watkins, one of the fastest players we have seen in pads in college football. His ability to get to top speed in just a matter of seconds is incredible, and that will translate very well to the NFL. He has the ability to accelerate with the best of the best, and it has been evident in his three seasons at Clemson.
Ability after the catch: Since the Tigers' offense relied on a lot of screens to Watkins, it was very evident to see his ability as a playmaker with the ball in his hands. Not only is he fast, but his ability to make opposing tacklers miss, or even run through them is uncanny. Some see Watkins as just a deep threat, but that is not the case. He has elite playmaking ability with the ball in his hands as well.
Explosion: As mentioned before, Watkins' ability to accelerate is one of the best in the class, and that explosion is the difference between being tackled from behind and scoring a touchdown. On more than one occasion, Watkins was running stride for stride with an opposing corner in what seemed like full speed, but at the last second he would explode a step or two ahead and separate himself for an easy catch. This explosion was evident at the combine as well, where Sammy tested highly amongst the best of the best.
Weaknesses
Size: The only knock Watkins has against him is his size. He does not possess typical "number one" receiver size at just 6'1, but his speed at 211 pounds shows that he is not a small football player.
NFL Comparison
An NFL comparison is tough for Watkins, as there is no one at his size that has the ability that he does, but the closest resemblance to a current NFL wide receiver would be a shorter Julio Jones.
Draft Outlook
Sammy Watkins will undoubtedly be one of the first wide receivers taken, likely the first and will be taken in the top 10.
Best Fits
Watkins can fit anywhere, but the place that would suit him best is the Detroit Lions, or the Cleveland Browns (depending on the quarterback situation).