Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur likes the combination of size, athleticism, selflessness as a blocker and intelligence of new receiver Christian Watson, the team’s second-round pick.
The Packers traded up 19 spots – giving up both second-round picks – to get Watson at No. 34 overall. LaFleur sounds like a coach excited about everything Watson can bring to the table as a receiver in his offense.
“He’s big, he’s fast, he’s physical,” LaFleur said. “One thing I really liked was, when you watch him block, I think that says a lot about a player, especially at that position. We know those guys, they want to go there and get the big plays, but what are they willing to do for their teammates? I watched his run-blocking reel, just to see the effort he gave, down in and down out, in that aspect of the game, I mean, we can always use somebody like that. Especially when you’re talking about a 6-4 guy, over 200 pounds, runs sub-4.4. So there’s a lot to be excited about there.”
Watson looks like the perfect fit for what the Packers needed.
Blocking is vital to the LaFleur offense, both on the perimeter in the passing game (see: quick screens) and from multiple alignments in the run game. Watson checks the box there after playing multiple seasons at North Dakota State, a run-heavy program.
“Oh, he’s excellent,” Packers director of football operations Milt Hendrickson said. “To his credit, for his size, he’s not just a vertical threat, he’ll put his hands on people. As you guys know, the way coach preaches to our receivers, they have to be able to block.”
His incredible blend of size and speed will provide a chance to immediately become LaFleur’s go-to deep threat. Last month, LaFleur noted the offense’s need for speed after losing Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Mission accomplished with Watson, who runs like the wind and was a consistently productive deep threat for the Bisons. Last season, almost half of his receiving yards came on…
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