Menelik Watson allowed just one sack in 12 starts for Florida State in 2012. "It's mind-boggling to me how much upside this kid has," said Mike Mayock, a draft analyst for the NFL Network, who said he'll be surprised if Watson isn't selected in the first round. "Every line coach in the NFL, I believe, either is or should be salivating at the opportunity to work with this kid." As a football player, Watson certainly has taken the road less traveled. If his story were turned into a movie, it would be a hybrid of "Coming to America" and "The Blind Side." "When I see him run 20 yards downfield on tape against the University of Florida and bury a corner on a toss sweep, I just go, Wow. This kid can run, (has a) natural kick slide, can get to the second level in the run game because he's so athletic. He just doesn't understand angles, he doesn't have the awareness yet on stunts. This is a baby here that's going to develop into a man very quickly. I'm excited about the kid." Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20130405/2013-nfl-draft-menelik-watson/#ixzz2PhEzfYpw
The thing that jumps out at you on film about Watson is obviously his feet. He's very athletic. He gets to the second level with ease. He pulls out like Mike Pouncey. We are talking about quite possibly the best overall athlete at the tackle position in this draft when you combine his overall athleticism seen on film with his massive size. Consistency is his issue, and I'm talking consistency with everything. He gets too high coming out of his stance at times. Sometimes, he's the last guy that moves when the ball is snapped. There are times when he gets to the second level and looks lost. He doesn't consistently get good arm extension when pass blocking. He's a tremendous talent to work with, but he has a lot of coaching ahead of him. I think if he comes in and starts from day one, we are going to see many of the same problems we saw with Jonathan Martin last year. However, in 2-3 years, he might just be the best of the offensive tackles that come out of this draft. [video=youtube;E5v4n6MuSOQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E5v4n6MuSOQ[/video] First play, look at how he gets into the second level. The guy's movement skills are top notch. I'll have to look at the other tackles more closely, but I don't think I've seen any other ones move his feet like Watson can. I was watching some Brennan Williams video earlier this AM, and it's not even close.
Look at 1:10 of the tape- Watson again is able to block two defenders on the same play, he's one of the best I've seen at that. His feet- good but not great imo. He has excellent reflexes, easily gets to 2nd level, he moves efficiently and fairly quickly, especially for a man of his size. But as per pure foot speed he doesn't blow me away- they don't strike me as particularly quick feet, I'd like to see him more on his toes as opposed to flat footed, and I think that the notion of him running a 4.7 40, as I've read he's capable of, is a myth. Compare his foot quickness and speed to Lane Johnson- no comparison, Johnson hands down. But- as a RT I love this guy, so big, powerful and from what I've seen efficient, with fantastic hand strength and hand/eye reflexes. He's new to the game and nonetheless, from the tape I've watched, he rarely got beat all year. As to the 2nd level- as you said, outstanding. To be clear about his feet, he moves very well for a man of his size, efficient kickslide and you've seen his work on the 2nd level, but to me I just don't see what I'd call great foot quickness and he certainly isn't fast from what I saw at the combine, nothing special in those regards. But the guy is a monster who moves well, is a superb run blocker and excellent pass blocker with nearly ideal size for a a RT, and personally I see him as a future Pro Bowler and a guy who would be a great fit for us if Martin goes to LT. I would love to see us draft this guy, what fantastic potential he has.
