Can Christian Watson Still Become a Premiere Receiver?
After all the tough luck with injuries, can a great career still be possible?
By GregMeinholz
The NFL is an unforgiving business. It doesn't take long for a team to turn on you if you're not performing. It takes some fans even less time. I'll bet a few of those fans in question will comment on this article without even reading it. The pressure to perform at a high level is there with you right from the start. Sometimes your draft position can afford you some extra time even though there's a lot more pressure. Over the last decade or so, the Green Bay Packers have had the luxury of allowing these players to develop. There's never been a dyer need to immediately perform if players needed a little time to learn or if luck just hasn't been on their side. But with half his rookie contract already under his belt, the pressure is starting to fall on wide receiver Christian Watson to prove he was worth his 34th overall pick investment.
It's not that Watson isn't performing, In 23 games, the young receiver has scored 14 total touchdowns. That's more than any six receivers picked before him in the 2022 draft. But the kicker there is 23 games. 23 games out of a possible 36. Injuries have plagued Watson's career and held him out of 13 games. That's not to mention snaps that he may have missed after sustaining some of those injuries on the field. It's as if Christian Watson has missed almost an entire season in his two-year career.
Now if he had suffered a major injury that required season-ending surgery in week 5 one season, we probably wouldn't be talking about this and would just write it off as misfortune, and that we can't wait for him to return next year. But it wasn't that. It's been nagging hamstring injuries for the most part that have kept Watson off the field. I've read it all. "Cut him now" "He's made of glass" "Why are we wasting our time with him?" Well, first off, the Packers aren't the type of organization that gives up on a player that easily. Second, you don't just cut a player who essentially averages 50 yards per game and averages 1 score in at least half the games he plays in.
After the 2023 season, the news was that Christian Watson along with cornerback Eric Stokes would be seeing a hamstring specialist at UW-Madison to hopefully diagnose their issues with the nagging injuries. It's also worth noting that the Packers parted with strength and conditioning coach, Chris Gizzi and have since hired Aaron Hill to take his place. So, it appears measures are being taken to get Christian Watson to 100% for an entire season. But has the damage already been done?
Can Watson still forge a legacy in Green Bay?
Christian Watson still has two years remaining on his rookie contract. He's not going anywhere. What happens in those two years will determine where his career goes after. There's no question that Watson is an explosive talent. Matt LaFleur has stated, "We see his value when he's going at full strength. His ability to make players for us. We're better when he's on the grass."
Watson's size and speed can create mismatches when he is going at 100%. We've seen those moments where he's been a deep threat. We've seen those clutch catches in the endzone. The sideline tip-toes to maintain possession. He has all the makings of a top-notch wide receiver. There's been a lot of criticism drawn around this comparison, but Christian Watson could be as good as Randy Moss if he could just stay on the field. He has the breakaway speed, and he also has the size to box out defenders and make the big catch. Given the current makeup of the Packers' offensive roster, it's not far-fetched either.
With Christian Watson being sidelined for almost half the season, receivers Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Romeo Doubs had notable 2023 campaigns. Even rookie tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft were looking like big weapons in their first season. Let's not mention the fact that running back Aaron Jones is a beast whenever he touches the football. Along with all of this, if fans heard the Packers just drafted a 6'4 speedy wide receiver in the early second round to go with this, they'd be salivating. Well, that big wide receiver is already on the roster and has two years of experience in the offense already under his belt. Jordan Love already knows Christian Watson, there's no awkward familiarity phase to go through, it's time to cook.
When you look at Jordan Love's 2023 season, he possibly left a good 300-400 passing yards on the table that he could've had. With a healthy Christian Watson on the outside all 17 games, Jayden Reed, and the tight ends in the middle with Doubs and Wicks scattered in as well, he could have earned that. Of course, all of it wouldn't have gone to Christian Watson, but there's a chance he could have commanded a decent amount. If Jordan Love proved one thing in his first year as the number-one quarterback, it's that he wasn't afraid to spread the ball around. I can't quite put Christian Watson at 1K yards had he had a healthy 2023, but I'll say at least 900.
If Christian Watson can remain 100% healthy for the 2024 season, I believe he could make strides alongside some of the best Packers receivers of the last 20 years. Given his deep ball threat, Watson could manage 1K yards in 2024. Add on 7-8 more touchdowns and he's easily being considered for a contract extension early in 2025. Oddly enough his teammates who will help draw defenders off of him, will also take catches away so I'm not sure he eclipses much more than 1100-1200 yards, but that will still help Watson build a legacy with the team that traded two second-round picks to select him.
Injury woes have put a damper on the beginning of Christian Watson's NFL career. But if that tough luck can turn around, I believe he could become one of the best receivers to wear a Packers jersey.
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Greg Meinholz is a lifelong devoted Packer fan. A contributor to CheeseheadTV as well as PackersTalk. Follow him on Twitter @gmeinholz for Packers commentary, random humor, beer endorsements, and occasional Star Wars and Marvel ramblings.
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Comments (73)
MooPack
February 21, 2024 at 12:10 pm
Right now I can only imagine what this offense could look like with Watson, Musgrave, and even A. Jones healthy for most or all of the year. Hope the new S&C coach has some magic dust or at least better technique's to get these guys healthy. Including Stokes. Could be a scary good offense.
jannesbjornson
February 21, 2024 at 03:30 pm
Watson's father, an ex-NFL professional, has stated Christian had never experienced any hamstring issues throughout his HS and College playing career following a regime designed for his future. He had knee injuries, but nothing debilitating. There may be something to the dismissal of Gizzi for cause.
Packerpasty
February 22, 2024 at 11:27 am
I think these NFL strength and fitness guys want to add too much muscle to some of the fast twitch guys like WR's and CB's...they probably need to get somewhat stronger but too much causes these injuries...just my unprofessional opinion!!! What do I know!!
Razer
February 21, 2024 at 12:19 pm
To answer the premiere receiver question you only need to answer the injury question. It is the story.
The bigger question for me is "do we want to do the premiere WR formula?". Go up against a good pass rush and sticky man coverage and your offense gets reduced fairly quickly. I like that the Packers have this Swiss Army knife approach to their run/pass attack. I doubt that Rodgers relying on Adams would have had last year's success. Plus, paying one WR a ton of money (Jefferson, Diggs, etc.) doesn't increase your offensive ceiling - more of a cap.
T7Steve
February 21, 2024 at 12:49 pm
The most troubling part is that he didn't seem to have these problems prior to coming to GB.
What did he or the program do differently?
Is it just growing pains as he gets older? Same thing with Stokes?
Coldworld
February 21, 2024 at 01:25 pm
He missed the post season in college with a hamstring, it’s possible that didn’t heal optimally, increasing his risk of reinjury, but yes, he has had a bad hammy before.
Alberta_Packer
February 21, 2024 at 05:31 pm
A down vote! Why ?!?!
Packers0808
February 21, 2024 at 12:53 pm
Maybe Watson needs a 4 string cadaver hamstring implant if hamstring can't made stronger or if possible cured? Something along the idea of a Tommy John fix maybe necessary or the answer.
TKWorldWide
February 22, 2024 at 07:20 am
If he did that, it wouldn’t be long before the whole village is chasing him with torches and pitchforks.
Which might result in straining that hammy again.
Packers0808
February 22, 2024 at 10:45 am
It has been done and successful. Do they chase those with the Tommy John surgery? If so haven't heard of it!!!!
splitpea1
February 21, 2024 at 12:53 pm
If he's able to stay on the field and refine his game in a couple of ways, the sky is the limit for him. A true #1 that can be relied upon makes this offense explosive.
ricky
February 21, 2024 at 01:12 pm
Right now, Watson is a classic "great player- when healthy". Similar to Bryan Bulaga on the OL. Or Bakhtiari now. Could he be as good as Moss? That is a high bar, indeed. After all, when the Packers draft three DB's the year after Moss' rookie year in Minny, that speaks volumes about their effectiveness. Is Watson a game-tilter when he's on the field? I'd argue that yes, he is. Watson seems to draw double teams every time he's on the field, which makes the job of the other WR's a bit easier. If he can stay healthy starting this season, great. But my concern is that he'll somehow be on the field, and effective, for all the games in his contract year. Then what?
stockholder
February 21, 2024 at 01:15 pm
Status Questionable -
It's just A packer way now.
If your looking for Superman
Draft more Weapons-
dobber
February 21, 2024 at 02:38 pm
I think we agree: you can't wait to find out if he's ever going to stay healthy. Stock the cupboard.
jannesbjornson
February 21, 2024 at 03:39 pm
Any Player can go down for good at any time while in a Game, or on the Practice Field. It is a Risk the Players and the Teams assume.
TKWorldWide
February 23, 2024 at 10:38 pm
I like What you’re Doing there.
Or Here, as It Were.
Coldworld
February 21, 2024 at 01:23 pm
Yes, of course it’s still possible. He’s not had a complex injury that could sap athleticism. He doesn’t turn 25 till May.
It’s good that he’s getting specialist medical evaluation and attention. Now it comes down to how much he wants it. He didn’t take as much of a step technically as I’d hoped for last offseason. He needs to work to fulfil his talent as well as stay healthy.
HarryHodag
February 21, 2024 at 01:30 pm
Greg Jennings comes to mind. Great receiver, hurt a lot.
I really would like to like Watson as a receiver. Sadly, I just don't think he will be a great receiver. I think part of the problem is the idea of 'deep threat'. He's constantly trying to put the burner jets on and pop goes his hammy.
I look at Reed who got hammered this season. He played hurt, but played. Wicks got hammered but played on.
I look at the current crop of receivers and think we just don't need the injury headache. The guys that are there are obviously capable of doing great things. Watson would be an attractive trade piece for a team needing a wide out. A swap to Arizona(who needs a receiver) for Budda Baker would go a long way to helping both teams.
barutanseijin
February 21, 2024 at 04:35 pm
Greg Jennings played in 143 out of a possible 160 games. Not bad considering the 2011 knee injury and the groin issues in 2012 that kept him out for a good chunk of the season. Sounds like you have him confused with someone else.
HarryHodag
February 22, 2024 at 07:54 am
While you have a point, your comment also partially proves my point.
Jennings never liked Aaron Rodgers which is a whole other problem. He felt Rodgers purposely didn't target him when he was open.
Watson isn't a bad guy but when injuries begin to dominate your career it's time to look elsewhere.
WestCoastPackerBacker
February 22, 2024 at 04:21 pm
Watch the Super Bowl win if you think Jennings never liked Rodgers.
No way Jennings gets those numbers throughout his career without Rodgers throwing to him.
Jennings issue was his contract. He didn't think GB offered him enough; he wanted Rodgers to plead for more money for him and Rodgers apparently didn't do that. So Jennings played out his deal and took less money to sign with the Vikings, where he never was really impactful again. Jennings was fine most of his career in GB. It was his last contract year he got an attitude and then played that up big time after retirement to get attention and ratings for his own media brand.
People wanted to discard Davante Adams after year two as well, and Watson has been even more productive than Adams was early on. Just give it time and time will tell.
jannesbjornson
February 22, 2024 at 10:50 am
He's thinking of James Jones....Watson NINE TDs as a Greenhorn, five on limited duty in 2023. He will be in double digits this season if all plays out with UW-Medical evaluation/therapy and sticking to his training routine.
LambeauPlain
February 21, 2024 at 05:27 pm
Jennings was not hurt a lot. He was a great receiver however. Impeccable route runner and great hands.
Bitternotsour
February 22, 2024 at 11:56 am
Jennings had the most disciplined (late) hands I've ever seen on a receiver. His route running was nothing short of a clinic. Dependable, mostly durable, and fearless. His only fault was that he didn't fall in line on Rodgers trek to deification.
Alberta_Packer
February 21, 2024 at 05:48 pm
Like the alternative thinking Harry. Very GM-like. To continue - let's say that Gutekunst is able to trade Watson for 1 or 2 higher round draft picks. Then Packers select Brian Thomas Jr./ Keon Coleman / Adonai Mitchell (in this year's draft) with their 25 pick - giving the Packers an excellent WR prospect. Then with the pick(s) from trading Watson - Gutekunst is able to add it to his already abundant Day1 & Day 2 shopping basket. As much as I like Watson - I would give this strategy serious consideration.
Tundraboy
February 21, 2024 at 07:13 pm
Id like to see first, but you have a point.
WestCoastPackerBacker
February 22, 2024 at 04:25 pm
Make this make sense to me. Watson isn't good enough to play for GB because of injury, but somehow another team will trade an asset for him? How does that work.
If you don't want an "injury headache," you might want to try watching another sport. Injuries are a part of the NFL, and every player will get injured during their career. Reed played hurt, but he could run. You can't run with a bad hammy and you risk making it worse and making it last longer. Whether you can play with an injury isn't a "one-size fits all" question. You can play with some injuries; with others you just have to sit, like Jones and Watson with hamstring issues.
GregC
February 21, 2024 at 01:39 pm
You lost me with the Randy Moss comparison. That's just silly. Maybe we should start by comparing him to, I don't know, maybe Jordy Nelson before we start comparing him to Moss. But yes, if Watson can stay healthy he could be one of the best WRs we've had in Green Bay.
Brewcity_BearsFan
February 21, 2024 at 01:59 pm
It is fair to judge him based on the amount of time missed, because it has been so much.
He currently isn't a top 3 receiver on his own team. Factor in the other team around just the North, with the likes of Justin Jefferson, D J Moore, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jordan Addison, and Watson's standing gets worse. If you are including TE's in the mix, then he falls outside the top 10 in his own division.
Dude may have potential, but until he plays a full season, he is firmly planted on the 2nd or 3rd tier of WR's in the League.
CoachJV
February 21, 2024 at 02:06 pm
I worry that he's the Kevin King of Offense. Potential to be great... made of glass.
GregC
February 21, 2024 at 06:19 pm
There's one big difference: Kevin King was never very good. I think he had one decent season when he stayed healthy, but unlike Watson, he never looked like a potential star.
Leatherhead
February 21, 2024 at 03:40 pm
Davante Adams, his first two years with the Packers, got targeted 160 times, caught 88 passes for 929 yards and 4 TDs.
Christian Watson,his first two years with the Packers, got targeted 119 times, caught 69 passes for 1033 yards and 12 TDs.
If Watson can stay healthy enough to stay on the field, he'll be a very good receiver for us for the next several years. Just the threat of him forces teams to adjust.
Bitternotsour
February 21, 2024 at 04:43 pm
The threat of him as opposed to playing with 10 men? I'd agree with that. But honestly Watson/Wicks, not seeing a great change in the way the defenses will defend. I like them both, but our offense is essentially the same regardless of who lines up wide. Both are proven pro receivers. Love threw for 4,000 yards, do you suppose that goes up significantly if Watson starts over Wicks?
Leatherhead
February 21, 2024 at 05:29 pm
Nah. I think WRs, for the most part, are fungible.
When you have a guy who is a real threat to get deep, it does seem to soften up the secondary a little for the other guys. But yeah, he doesn't help us if he's not on the field, and Wicks does bring a lot of the same.
There's only one ball, and we've got four WRs we'd like to get it to a bunch, because they're big threats to get it into the endzone. We're set at WR, but we need to get a guy to help Jones, because Dillon is leaving but the RB position is half our offense.
Bitternotsour
February 21, 2024 at 05:42 pm
I'm still not convinced that back isn't on the roster already, but you make a compelling argument. As they say, there's a whole lotta ballgame left in terms of guys getting cut or becoming salary cap casualties all across the NFL.
Truthfully, it wouldn't shock me if they cut Aaron Jones. He's super expensive and he is both old and injury plagued. Take that high salary and average it out over the 7-9 games a year he actually plays and it makes some sense to move on a year too early.
Jeez though, if Gutekunst did that I think there'd be bonfires and pitchforks out on Lombardi Ave. Gutey does have a big set of minerals, and anything could happen.
GregC
February 21, 2024 at 06:10 pm
Gutekunst already said that they are not going to cut Aaron Jones. And that's a good thing.
CoachJV
February 22, 2024 at 10:50 am
They won't be cutting Jones. Not in this space-time continuum. Maybe in another 2 years or so. He came on strong at the end of the season, and ended it healthy and still fresh. Now he has an offseason to get his body right. I think he plays a full 17+ next year.
TKWorldWide
February 21, 2024 at 08:32 pm
Wicks: 4.62
Watson: 4.36
That is a world of difference speed-wise.
Ferrari-Driver
February 21, 2024 at 09:08 pm
Jerry Rice had a 40 time of 4.71 and he was tremendously successful in the NFL.
TKWorldWide
February 22, 2024 at 07:24 am
Yowza! No doubt!
Coldworld
February 22, 2024 at 08:35 am
Wicks is many things, but if you look at the tape his long speed testing is validated. He beats by his freakish short burst. Completely different athlete than Watson. Very different threat.
It would be a less inaccurate comparison to say Wicks is a bigger Adams, though Adams used super quick feet not freakish explosiveness. No. Wicks and Watson do not pose the same type of threat at all. If you want confirmation, go back and look at how Ds approach them.
jannesbjornson
February 22, 2024 at 10:55 am
Adams emulated Jerry Rice, attended his sports camps. A week with Rice should be on all of the receivers agendas.
LLCHESTY
February 21, 2024 at 09:53 pm
Their 10 yard splits were pretty close and Wicks has a faster 3-cone. On 90% of routes those count more.
TKWorldWide
February 22, 2024 at 07:29 am
Gotta agree about the 3-cone value. But! Defenses won’t respect Wicks’ ability to get behind them like Watson can. If I’m Love, I’m saying “Please come up and play press-man on 9!”
One of my favorite head scratchers is that AJ Dillon had a (slightly) faster 40 than Aaron Jones.
What does it all mean? To me, it means “Stay tuned”
LambeauPlain
February 22, 2024 at 10:31 am
Jonesy's speed is adequate for a RB. What he has that few RBs possess is a combination of sublime quickness, vision, acceleration through the hole then ties it all up in a bow with just amazing balance.
Helps he's an amazing worker and leader too.
Packerpasty
February 22, 2024 at 11:32 am
exactly, whereas Dillon doesnt seem to have much shifty moves and often doesnt hit the right hole in the line..cant really compare the two, look what happened when Jones got healthy for the last part of the year compared to when Dillon was the feature back for a short time...no comparison...none...
Tundraboy
February 21, 2024 at 07:19 pm
Deleted
LLCHESTY
February 21, 2024 at 04:31 pm
Luckily they have enough depth to withstand an absence or two from Watson. This chart is a good example of the depth they have but teams have to plan for Watson when he's on the field, even if he's not the main target.
Doubs is correct now but I wouldn't be surprised at all if Wicks is the #1 in a year or two.
https://twitter.com/FlynnAltomare/status/1759954911788241314?t=17A59WFjx...
CasuallyObsessed
February 22, 2024 at 03:17 am
I'd be surprised if reed wasn't no 1. With the way he came on the second half of the year and the speed he has. I could see wicks being a no 2. And doubs being no 3.
WestCoastPackerBacker
February 22, 2024 at 04:28 pm
Number one and two don't matter at all, the way GB uses WRs. They will all get snaps, they will all get plays designed for them, Jordan will throw it to any of them. Doesn't matter if they are #1 or #5.
Coldworld
February 22, 2024 at 08:41 am
I don’t care who is number one or even if there is one with this group. Right now our strength is in the range and variety of weapons and ability to use them to exploit opponents.
Bitternotsour
February 22, 2024 at 08:53 am
A group of guys who can get open and then catch the ball, what a novel concept. Goes against the NFL model of having stars, but it sounds pretty effective.
Packfansincebirth
February 21, 2024 at 04:43 pm
Hamstring injuries can be unforgiving. My son was a very talented baseball player; he was coached by a few former MLB players who thought highly of his future possibilities. He ripped his hammy badly at the end of his senior year. He did play college ball, but his hamstring never really healed properly. He said it still hurts today when he tries to run; the injury was 6 years ago.
Obviously, he didn't have the advanced training department the Packers have. Hopefully, they can figure out Watson's hammy woes so that he can be the big play receiver people have been anticipating. Otherwise, it might be another sad story of lost potential like some other former Packer hopefuls (Tim Lewis, Eddie Lee Ivery, Nick Collins, etc.)
golfpacker1
February 21, 2024 at 04:43 pm
I wonder if the Packers chart the plays that players get hurt on. I would surely do that with Watson because this is a reoccurring injury. I do know the play he was hurt on that knocked him out until the playoffs was a jet sweep. And it happened as he turned the corner to go up field. Maybe it puts too much pressure on the hammy. Maybe he never ran that play in college. His dad said he had no problems with the hamstring there. There has to be a pattern and I would start by letting Reed and Melton run the jet sweeps.
Watson is too skinny. Maybe the answer is as simple as 15 pounds and no more jet sweeps.
LLCHESTY
February 21, 2024 at 06:07 pm
Sounds like his dad lied. Not a shocker, he doesn't seem like a pleasant person.
Tundraboy
February 21, 2024 at 07:31 pm
I agree. Problem also could be very simply in how often do they really run those plays. Subsequently the stop start, of sporadic
use ,time on sidelines, and.then going back in and playing was probably not the best approach with someone with hamstring issues at the time.
golfpacker1
February 21, 2024 at 04:49 pm
The Randy Moss comparison is a little much. Lets revisit that one in 10 years. Moss was one of a kind and never dropped anything.
I am not a hamstring expert by any means, but if you keep injuring the same ligaments, they stretch like spraining an ankle too many times. Watson adds an element of speed to our offense and rarely can any CBs keep up with him.
LambeauPlain
February 21, 2024 at 05:38 pm
Watson has been incredibly efficient with his limited opportunities. If his hamstring calms down...as they often do and remain quiet for many players...he has a very high ceiling. He brings synergies to the offense similar to Jones...he draws attention that help his teammates.
I don't believe Watson has ever tore a hamstring...just pulled them a few times.
I have hopes for "Silence of the Hams" when it comes to the Packers next year with the S&C refocus. Seems they have more than their share of soft tissue injuries.
CanPackFan
February 21, 2024 at 06:29 pm
Watson really needs the specialist of specialists to help him. If he cares about a potentially elite career, he must find the best, now! Don't depend on the team to find one. Find the best and hunker down with rehab, no matter how tough it is.
TKWorldWide
February 21, 2024 at 08:29 pm
He said he has spent tens of thousands of dollars trying to solve it.
Duneslick
February 21, 2024 at 06:48 pm
Not unless Jordan Love improves a lot on deep throws. He constantly under throws him and he has to slow down and jump back into defenders to catch the pass.
golfpacker1
February 21, 2024 at 07:27 pm
Love has underthrown him at times. I would love Watson to realize soon that he is 6'4 and has long arms. Nobody should out jump him for a ball. That would make him more like Randy Moss.
PhantomII
February 21, 2024 at 08:37 pm
I was a big proponent of Watson. He has dynamic speed/ vision and athleticism. He's pretty special and still raw some. He had to learn to fight for the ball instead of falling back for an under thrown fade pass. He had to be more aggressive and he did what he had to do. His over the shoulder passes are not yet natural. This team has " THE BEST" WR group in the NFL period. We don't have to have a true #1 because we have like 7-#2 WR's on any team in the league. Nobody has to be THE GUY...because they all can be any play. Because we have the best Wr's....We need to use more of them including our good TE's, Yes to block on run plays, but the sooner we get the OL to an ELITE group the better our overall offense will be run/pass. When we get there our offense will be a juggernaut like the Dallas game more often than not. We need another RB a lot like Jones as well....GPG
Coldworld
February 22, 2024 at 08:53 am
Watson is and was a project. He had a lot to learn coming in. I hope he is working hard to do that. To me, how hard he works on his craft was always going to be the key to unlocking of his physical ability.
The hamstring issues don’t help, but he needs to learn an expanded route tree and perfect it and, as you note, perfect over the shoulder technique. He didn’t do that in college partly because of the QB limitations and partly they just got him the ball on crossers or in space and let his athleticism dominate, which it did at that level. Why LaFleur started him out on go routes still baffled me. It wasn’t until the deep crossing routes appeared that he got going.
vin0770
February 21, 2024 at 09:57 pm
I don’t doubt his talent but how do you fix glass ? Glass is glass right? The Pack got a Ferrari for the frozen tundra and need a four wheel drive.
LLCHESTY
February 21, 2024 at 11:11 pm
Guess they need a Lamborghini Urus then.
TKWorldWide
February 22, 2024 at 07:31 am
Those Rivians are pretty cool too.
Coldworld
February 22, 2024 at 08:54 am
That’s what many said of Rodgers initially. Made of glass. Sometimes we overreact.
LambeauPlain
February 22, 2024 at 10:39 am
Rodgers wasn't Favre durable (who is?), but he was dependable and available. Played hurt too.
Love will hopefully share both men's durability.
Oppy
February 22, 2024 at 07:59 am
Yes.
Any receiver in the NFL has an opportunity to become a "premiere receiver."
Now, do I think he will? meh.. probably not. But I think he'll be good.
golfpacker1
February 22, 2024 at 09:33 am
Watson would be perfect to run what in my day was called a post pattern. Jordy Nelson and Rodgers perfected this play and scored often on it. Watson has improved his catching skills quite a bit in 2 years. He still gets alligator arms at times and doesn't take advantage of his length. But the post pattern catch would be easier for anyone. And with Christians speed he would be running by himself. Watson has some trouble with the ball coming over the top, as everyone remembers the drop on his first pass from Rodgers.
More Post patterns and no Jet sweeps.
WestCoastPackerBacker
February 22, 2024 at 03:44 pm
Nothing to do but wait and see. BTW, it is "dire need." i wouldn't worry about what fans think. Some GB fans have proven they will turn on a player any time he doesn't produce, even if it is due to injury and even if that injury is not his fault. What matters here is that they invested a high draft pick on this guy and will give him every chance to show what he can do.
golfpacker1
February 22, 2024 at 04:02 pm
For what its worth, I was thrilled when they took Watson. In fact I would have picked him in the 1st round instead of Wyatt. There was a bigger DT out of U Conn that we could have picked in the 3rd round, Travis Jones, better than Wyatt, and he was our run stopper of the future @ 6'4 and 338lbs. And we wouldn't have wasted that extra 2nd rounder in 2022 trading up.