Buffalo Bills struck gold with Sammy Watkins

It was May, the annual NFL draft was taking place in New York City, and the Buffalo Bills had the ninth overall pick. Buffalo desperately needed a player that could help the team in a big way.

Analysts projected the Bills to select a player like tight end Eric Ebron, or perhaps offensive tackle Jake Matthews. However, the Bills shocked everyone when they traded up to the fourth overall pick so they could select Clemson star Sammy Watkins.

The move was initially criticized due to Buffalo surrendering their 2014 first round pick, as well as a first and fourth round pick in 2015’s draft. However, Watkins is proving that he was indeed worth the lofty price.

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In the preseason Watkins was looking like anything but a rookie wide receiver. I predicted Watkins to win Offensive Rookie of the Year and make the Pro Bowl, and it was not a claim that was unwarranted.

His hard work and preparation made him standout among other first year players. Watkins reportedly arrived to practice earlier than everyone else just to put in extra work. Watkins went viral with some amazing catches in practice, and he just looked like he had ‘it.’

Buffalo Bills’ general manager Doug Whaley spoke to the media about Watkins arriving at the practice facility at 6:45 A.M.. “He wanted to get the footwork that he’d been taught right. He was out there, alone, before anyone else got there. That’s one dedicated player.”

Then the injury bug bit Watkins, and it hindered his play. Watkins saw limited action in the preseason after the first game. Some thought the injury might keep Watkins out of regular season action, but once week one rolled around Watkins was ready to go.

Despite getting clearance to play, Watkins did not have an immediate impact. His debut was average. He recorded three catches for 31 yards.

No touchdowns, no big plays.

No, Sammy Watkins’ breakout performance would come a mere seven days later when he put up 117 yards and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. Although seeing some inconsistency after that game, in the last two games Watkins has looked like a polished pro, and he does not seem to be slowing down any time soon.

Against the Minnesota Vikings in week 7, Watkins posted 122 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winning walk-off touchdown.

Against the New York Jets, Watkins showcased his big play ability, as the only thing that was capable of stopping Watkins was Watkins himself. After catching a deep reception, Watkins thought he was headed for a sure touchdown, so he started to raise his right hand and celebrate. Saalim Hakim, a member of the New York Jets, would hawk Watkins down and prevent him from capitalizing on the phenomenal play.

It was one of the few things Watkins has done thus far that would indicate he is a rookie. The 21-year old would not let his blunder haunt him, as he would haul in another touchdown, although there was no celebrating that time.

Just six-points.

Yes, Watkins made an enormous, enormous mistake, but he is the type of player that will learn from it, and his teammates understand that.

“It was a mistake by a young player. Sammy will learn from it,” Bills’ starting quarterback Kyle Orton said. “He’s the type of guy where you only have to say something once and it will not happen again.” Backup quarterback EJ Manuel also chimed in by saying, “You saw the second one. He bounced back.”

Sammy Watkins is a true number one receiver, and that is something the Bills have lacked for quite some time. His speed, explosiveness, catching and route running abilities make him a lethal threat to score any time he touches the ball.

He is no ordinary rookie, and Bills fans have something to look forward to in the future. After enduring years of mediocrity and poor play, the Bills are 5-3 and Watkins certainly has been a huge part of that success.

Watkins and fellow rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin have similar stats, though Watkins’ are more impressive. Watkins 590 yards are only slightly greater than Benjamin’s 571, but Benjamin has the luxury of having Pro Bowl quarterback Cam Newton throw him the ball. While Kyle Orton is no slouch, Watkins is making the plays. Both rookies have five touchdowns and 38 receptions, according to NFL.com.

Things are definitely changing for the better in Upstate New York. For quite some time the best players on the Bills’ offense were running back C.J. Spiller and wide receiver Stevie Johnson.

Spiller is now out until at least week 17 due to an injury, per reports, and Johnson has moved to San Francisco. This is Sammy Watkins’ offense and he is the focal point. With every practice, every film study and every workout, Watkins gets better. By becoming more entrenched in the playbook, Watkins is able to better his game and improve his chemistry with quarterback Kyle Orton.

While Sammy Watkins certainly has a long way to go, Buffalo fans can rejoice over the fact that Watkins appears to be the real deal, and he will remain in Buffalo for a long time.

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