Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half of the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson Tigers superstar wide receiver Sammy Watkins is considered the best draft-eligible wide receiver in the 2014 NFL Draft class, and the Watkins vs. Mike Evans debate is definitely a big one in draft circles. This year’s wide receiver class is going to be loaded, and Watkins is the star of them all. He had an incredible performance in Clemson’s Orange Bowl win over the Ohio State Buckeyes, as Watkins was the MVP with 16 receptions for 227 yards and two touchdowns. He showed off his terrific playmaking ability, and there is little doubt that Watkins is an extremely dangerous playmaker after the catch. Just as he has throughout his entire college career, he made Tajh Boyd look a lot better than he really is that night.
Watkins has always been expected to declare for the draft, because he is the top draft-eligible receiver and has nothing more to prove in college; doing what he did in the Orange Bowl was just another accomplishment. But even though the expectation has been all along that Watkins would declare, we never heard official word as Watkins is still deciding.
But he will join Boyd and likely Vic Beasley, who is a top pass rushing prospect, in the 2014 NFL Draft, as Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller reported last night that Sammy Watkins will declare. Miller tweeted that Watkins will release a statement tomorrow through Clemson, and it’s news that definitely doesn’t come as a surprise. Watkins is a projected top 15 pick, and he could end up in the top ten.