Rumors are swirling about who the Philadelphia Eagles might take in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. A lot of the reports say that the Eagles will more than likely take a wide receiver in the first round. Some receivers that they might take are Devonte Smith, Ja’marr Chase or Jalen Waddle. But could there be a receiver on the team already that could outshine whoever the Eagles will take in the draft? There sure is and his name is Quez Watkins, a rookie in 2020. This article will go into detail on how Watkins could be the Eagles next break out star.
How did Watkins get to the NFL
Photo courtesy of Joe Harper/Southern Miss Athletics
Watkins played college ball for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. While in Hattiesburg, Watkins turned a lot of heads in college football and the scouts of the NFL. Watkins started his career at Southern Miss with a solid campaign as a freshmen. He had 337 yards receiving as a freshmen and caught two touchdowns. Watkins produced even more during his sophomore year at Southern Miss. He crushed his yardage from his freshman year and had 889 receiving yards. He also quadrupled his touchdown total from the previous year with a total of nine touchdowns. Watkins decided to out-do himself during his junior year in Hattiesburg. He went over the 1,000 yard mark and received for 1,178 yards and had six touchdowns throughout the year.
How Quez Watkins can be a break out star
Watkins has a lot of talent to bring to the table at the NFL level. First off, Watkins is strong and has the ability to fight for 50/50 balls if the situation calls for that. Watkins also has the vision and ability to jump for the ball and make spectacular catches. This is impressive because Watkins isn’t the tallest or the biggest receiver in the NFL at six feet tall and weighing in at 185 pounds. He also has another dangerous quality about him that could make him lethal in the NFL. That quality would be his speed, especially when he gets out into the open field, which gives him the ability to turn on his jets. Not only does he have lightning speed in the open field, but he can also be elusive and break tackles when he’s running in traffic. He has the ability to help out whoever will be quarterbacking the Eagles in 2021.
Watkins did not get much playing time in the NFL during his rookie year, which is sad considering the talent he has. He only played in six games and was targeted only 12 times. He did gain a little more than 100 yards receiving in the short time that he got to play. The rookie also managed to score his first NFL touchdown during the season. This came during a game with the Arizona Cardinals where he caught the ball and outran everyone going down the sideline for a 32 yard touchdown. This was his second career catch for the young receiver.
The Eagles need to get Watkins more involved
The most important aspect for this young receiver to succeed would be getting more opportunities on field. Either at the wide reciever position or during punt or kick off returns. He has experience in the punt/kick return department from his time in Southern Miss and made a couple of electrifying plays including running one back for a touchdown. This is a key player that the Eagles should think about developing at a faster pace while they are in the rebuilding process. This is one of the positions where the Eagles need as much help as possible. Expect the Eagles to utilize Watkins more in 2021.This is why wide receiver Watkins could be the next break out star for the Philadelphia Eagles.
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