The Eagles took three wide receivers in the 2020 draft and two of them have gotten the majority of attention during the off-season. Jalen Reagor has gotten his well-deserved attention and John Hightower’s potential on kick returns and his Boise State film have fans buzzing about the next “Stefon Diggs” from the fifth round. However, the Eagles may have found a gem in sixth-round pick Quez Watkins.
Speed translates
One thing about running a 4.35 40 yard dash is that it immediately translates to the NFL.
A video from training camp surfaced recently of his one-on-one rep with fourth-year cornerback Rasul Douglas:
A one-on-one drill isn’t usually the “end all be all” for roster moves, but the way Watkins blew past Douglas and was able to track the ball in the air with ease is something that Eagles fans have been waiting to see for a long time.
Watkins will have to prove he can do the same against press coverage if he wants a shot at the active roster, but he has definitely started off the right foot.
College production
Only six wide receivers in college football in 2019 averaged more yards per game than Watkins’ 104.1.
His 18.17 YPC ranked eighth among WRs with 60 or more receptions.
Although he finished with the 21st most receiving yards, he had 1,145 in eleven games. 19 of the 20 receivers in front of him played in 1-4 more games. Four more games at his YPG average puts him at 1,561 yards for the season, which would’ve been third-most in the country.
He also had the ninth-most receiving yards in the second half of games, averaging 20.10 YPC. That average was third among WRs with 25+ receptions in the second half.
In seven wins, Quez Watkins averaged 132.5 yards per game, in six losses he averaged 70.
I know, I know, it’s just a projection on what he could’ve done in more games. But the production shows what he’s capable of and his speed gives us a glimpse into what Sundays could look like for the Eagles.
The loss of Marquise Goodwin could open up an immediate opening for Watkins if the Eagles keep six WR on the active roster, as the depth chart looks like DeSean Jackson, Jalen Reagor, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, John Hightower, and Greg Ward. But the inevitable return of Alshon Jeffery puts pressure on Watkins to perform early and often in all facets of the game.
Don’t sleep on this sixth rounder.
Stats provided by cfbstats.com
