Improving the trenches should be priority No. 1 for the New York Giants, and they’ve already made some free agent signings to bolster the unit. However, with Sterling Shepherd projected to miss the first few games of the 2022 regular season and more weapons necessary for quarterback Daniel Jones, adding a mid-round athletic specimen could fit the bill.
North Dakota State University receiver Christian Watson might be a perfect mid-round draft pick for general manager Joe Shane. At 6’5″ and 208 pounds, Watson finished the 2021 season with 43 receptions for 800 yards and seven touchdowns.
Containing phenomenal size and length, Watson also has burning speed. He reminds me slightly of Darius Slayton but with better hands, which could be an intriguing addition for the Giants, considering Slayton has been plagued by the drop bug since being drafted in the 5th round back in 2019.
Coming from a smaller school, Watson will have to adjust to a massive increase in talent at the NFL level, but given the proper development and reps, there’s no question he can offer WR2 potential down the road.
Here’s NFL analyst Lance Zierlein’s review of Watson:
A receiver prospect with intriguing measurables and a strong belief in the team aspect of the game, Watson possesses an alluring combination of size and speed. He showed off improved route running and catch strength in 2021. He is much more gifted than his opposition was at NDSU and needs to prove he can elevate his game against bigger, faster players at the next level. He plays hard and fast but needs to add a few more pounds and learn to impose his frame on the coverage. He’s a field-stretching option requiring a linear route tree and projects as a capable WR3/4 with more work.