Buffalo Bills GM on Sammy Watkins: ‘he’s the cream of the crop’
Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) reacts after scoring a touchdown. Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 NFL Draft class is stocked with talented wide receivers, whether it be a big guy like Mike Evans or Kelvin Benjamin or a smaller, explosive WR a la Brandin Cooks or Odell Beckham Jr. Sammy Watkins has a small frame, but he’s more than just a guy people could slap the “small” tag on. Not only can Watkins generate mega yards after the catch with his agility, but he can also high-point the ball and “play big” to overcome his shorter frame. Watkins also has a high football IQ, and his ability to excel in so many parts of the game makes him the best WR in this year’s draft class.
Buffalo Bills GM Doug Whaley knows that there are plenty of talented wideouts in this year’s class, but he agrees that Watkins is the man at the top of the list.
He said, via Bills official site beat writer Chris Brown, “He’s probably the most explosive playmaker of the crop, but that doesn’t diminish the play of Mike Evans from Texas A&M, Benjamin from Florida State and Marqise Lee from USC. So there are some guys that are nipping at his heels, but right now I’d have to say he’s the cream of the crop.”
I completely agree. Watkins is also an excellent route-runner who knows how to gain separation downfield and on the sidelines using precise cuts and stems, and that’s something that shouldn’t be lost when evaluating him. His stats, 40 time, athleticism, and explosiveness make him a great prospect, but his football IQ makes him elite.