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A Closer Look at Green Bay Packers Draft Pick WR Christian Watson

By Paul Bretl

Delaware linebacker Matt Palmer moves in as North Dakota State's Christian Watson pulls in a pass in the third quarter of Delaware's 47-22 loss at Delaware Stadium Saturday.Ud V North Dakota
Delaware linebacker Matt Palmer moves in as North Dakota State's Christian Watson pulls in a pass in the third quarter of Delaware's 47-22 loss at Delaware Stadium Saturday.Ud V North Dakota /
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Green Bay Packers
Feb 5, 2022; Mobile, AL, USA; National Squad wide receiver Christian Watson of North Dakota State (1) runs with the ball in the first half against the American squad during the Senior bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

Christian Watson’s potential role as a rookie with the Green Bay Packers

From Day 1, Watson will provide the Green Bay Packers with a much-needed vertical threat. With impressive 4.36-speed, he can take the top off opposing defenses–as evidenced by the 21.3 yards per catch Watson averaged at NDSU. But in addition to the big-play potential, and we know Rodgers will want to take a deep shot or two each game, having that presence will also open up the passing game underneath and create for others with the attention that Watson draws.

In addition to that element, Watson has experience out of the backfield and can be utilized as the pre-snap motion man and on gadget plays–basically, just find ways to get him the ball in space and let his playmaking ability take over. We may also see Watson as the kick returner for the Packers as he was an All-American in college, averaging 26.4 yards per return on 26 career attempts. Lastly, Watson is a willing run-blocker, which we know LaFleur covets at receiver and is another way for Watson to find playing time and make an impact.

While these are the specific roles that Watson can make an impact in right away, as I alluded to above, at least initially, I’m not sure if he can be that go-to option. His ceiling is incredibly high, which is likely a big reason why the Packers moved up for him, but development is still needed to achieve that.

In all likelihood, there is going to be a learning curve, especially coming from the FCS level — although it’s worth mentioning that Watson really impressed at the Senior Bowl against tougher competition — and early on in those high leverage situations, we may see Rodgers go in a different direction.

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