Washington Football Team 7-round mock, trading up to the seventh pick
By Ian Cummings
Round 4, Pick 118 – UAB WR Austin Watkins
Full disclosure: This is one of “my guys” in the 2021 NFL Draft. I try not to cling to favorites, because doing so can be a barrier toward absolute subjectivity. Having said that, it’s not a crime to be a fan of players who pleasantly surprise on tape, and that’s what UAB wideout Austin Watkins did.
Watkins took an unorthodox path to the NFL Draft. He was first a JUCO player, who then transferred to the UAB Blazers in 2018. Watkins needed a year to acclimate to the FBS level, but in 2019, he broke out, amassing 1,092 yards and six touchdowns on 57 catches, averaging almost 20 yards per catch. In a truncated 2020 season, he reprised his role as chief offensive playmaker.
Watkins has good size — he measures in around 6-foot-2, 207 pounds, with a decent 76-inch wingspan. The main appeal, however, comes beyond Watkins’ physical frame. He’s a good athlete, with enough speed and explosiveness to be a dynamic threat. Even past that, Watkins is incredibly sudden and elusive, and he mixes a great deal of deception into his route running.
Watkins’ best trait, however, might be his ability downfield. The UAB product is exceptional when it comes to winning in contested situations. He’s physical, flexible, and proactive with his hands, and he has the competitive fire to wear down cornerbacks, as well as the sheer instinct for catching the football to maintain consistency. He displayed this often at the Senior Bowl.
Watkins is a relatively complete wide receiver prospect with exciting upside. In the Washington Football Team’s offense, he has enough all-around utility to provide early potential, and he has enough toughness and elusiveness to bring the run-after-catch element that Scott Turner craves.