Rookie Spotlight: Blake Watson, Memphis
Height: 5-9 1/2
Weight: 189
Hands: 8 3/4”
Arm: 29’ 7/8
40 yard dash: 4.50 (projected)
Age: 22
NFL Comparison: Keaton Mitchell

Pros
Was a receiver until his sophomore year
Excellent lateral quickness
Sharp, decisive cuts
Natural instincts
Slippery through traffic
Good burst through the line
Sees the whole field

Cons
Uneven in pass protection
Lean build
Was not invited to the Combine
Will be 25 years old in October of his rookie season

Scouting Notes:
Like David White, Blake Watson was a player that I hadn’t heard much about going into Shrine Bowl practices, yet I kept on noticing that distinct Memphis helmet at the tail end of some stellar plays throughout the week. Watson is a playmaker through and through, able to pop through the line with burst before making a sharp cut and gliding through traffic. Watson isn’t a big back, but he doesn’t look small. – His weight is distributed well through his trunk. A natural pass-catcher, Watson played receiver until his sophomore year, most of Watson’s breakaway plays occurred in the passing game during practices, but his tape is full of successful between the tackles efforts. He’s a patient back who will wait for his blocks before turning on the jets and gliding his way to paydirt. Watson is blessed with comprehensive vision, and he sees the field entirely, avoiding contact more often than running through it. This is especially helpful, as though Watson is sturdy, he’s slight, coming in at under 190 lbs. His slighter build makes him a liability in pass protection and may relegate him to 3rd down duties at the next level.

Fantasy Outlook:
Watson was productive during his one season at Memphis, logging 1,o44 yards on 177 carries, with a 5.9 YPC average and 14 TDs. In addition, he caught 50 balls for 461 yards. A true dual threat, Watson displayed his utility at the Shrine Bowl and could see a sharp rise in draft stock with an impressive Combine appearance. The age of the true bellcow is in its twilight, and players of Watson’s ilk are getting more and more action in the NFL. I see him as a late-round pick who could out play his draft position should he develop as a pass-protector.