The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off in Detroit on Thursday night, and Memphis running back Blake Watson is eagerly awaiting the possibility of hearing his name announced.
Watson has faced underestimation since his high school days, and despite a remarkable season at Memphis, this trend persisted throughout the draft process.
Tigers head coach Ryan Silverfield expressed disappointment at Watson’s exclusion from the NFL combine, attributing it to concerns about his weight during the East-West Game. Nevertheless, Watson capitalized on every other opportunity during the offseason, showcasing his skills at events like the Hula Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl, as well as impressing at Memphis’ Pro Day. Coupled with his impressive on-field performance of 1,600 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns last season, many draft analysts consider Watson a promising late-round pick, including ESPN’s Matt Miller.
Miller emphasized Watson’s strengths, highlighting his receiving ability, patience, agility, vision, and elusiveness, particularly suited for a zone scheme. Watson aims to follow in the footsteps of four previous Memphis running backs drafted since 2018, drawing comparisons to former Tigers like Antonio Gibson for his versatility as a receiver turned running back.
Silverfield, who has coached notable running backs both at Memphis and in the NFL, confidently asserts Watson’s NFL potential. Drawing from his experience with players like Gibson, Tony Pollard, and Darrell Henderson, Silverfield vouches for Watson’s all-around skills, predicting a successful and enduring career in the NFL.
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