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The Green Bay Packers finally got Aaron Rodgers a weapon by drafting Christian Watson early in the second round. Green Bay fans were quick to judge after the Packers opted against drafting a wide receiver in the first round. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst made up for it by trading up to the 34th pick to select Watson.
Watson is an excellent fit in the Packers' offense as he is a vertical threat with the height that Green Bay covets. Head coach Matt LaFleur wanted the Pack to add speed to the wide receiver room, and they certainly did that with Watson.
At the NFL owners' meeting, LaFleur said, “We need a legit guy that can take off the top of the coverage. We lost a guy that was pretty good at doing that.”
Watson ran a 4.36 40-yard dash and has a big frame at 6′ 4″. He can be an improved version of Marquez Valdes Scantling, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. While Watson isn't one of the bigger name receivers in the class, he should have a big impact in year one.
Last season at North Dakota State, Watson caught 43 passes for 801 yards and seven touchdowns. Rodgers should pick up chemistry with him quickly, and he will be one of Green Bay's top targets.
Many have questioned the Packers' offense because of their receiving core. However, they also forget to mention that Green Bay has the most prolific one-two backfield in the league with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. With Watson drafted to the Pack, the offense will only improve.
That being said, here are three early predictions for Christian Watson in his rookie season with the Packers.
Christian Watson Rookie Predictions
3. Watson gets 1,000+ yards
Although Watson didn't go over 1,000 yards in a season in college, he could do it in his rookie campaign. Watson will be inserted into one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL, led by back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers and Watson have already forged a relationship, as Watson's dad said Rodgers was the first to text the rookie after he was drafted. The North Dakota State product has the tools to immediately impact the Packers' offense, and with Davante Adams no longer in town, he could stand to see a ton of targets as a rookie.
2. Watson emerges as wide receiver one
While Watson is a high draft pick, it doesn't always translate to instantly becoming the top wide receiver on a team. However, Watson should be able to step in as Green Bay's top wideout. The Packers don't have an elite wide receiver after trading away Davante Adams earlier in the offseason.
Watson is prepared to put in the effort, as he said via Rob Demovsky, “I’m ready to work, I’m ready to learn, and I’m ready to get after it. I know [Aaron's] gonna be tough on me, and that’s exactly what I want.”
His physical tools of size and speed will help him separate from other receivers. He has also consistently improved his route running and ability to create separation throughout college. With no established elite wide receiver in Green Bay, Watson should emerge as Rodgers' top weapon.
1. Watson finishes top 3 in Offensive Rookie of the Year
Watson pairs up well with the receivers that the Packers already have in Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers, and Sammy Watkins. This will help him have an easier transition to the NFL, especially with perhaps the most talented QB ever throwing him the ball. If Watson is able to become the top target in Green Bay's aerial attack, he could put up some staggering numbers as a rookie.
It won't be easy to finish top 3 in OROY, as many talented offensive players and other receivers in the draft will be in contention. However, joining one of the best teams in the NFL will help, as they will rely on him to be a pivotal contributor to help make it to the Super Bowl.
Green Bay made an excellent selection with Watson, and he should be a headline offensive player for them this upcoming season.
