Round 7: Penn WR Justin Watson – 6-3, 220 – 4.42 – Senior
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Previous pick: Grambling State RB Martez Carter
Watson is Tampa Bay’s final draft pick, and he’s a sleeper who compares favorably to Minnesota wide receiver Adam Thielen. Watson had 1,000-yard seasons in each of his last years at Penn, and leaves the school holding records for career receiving TDs (33), career receptions (286), career receiving yards (3,777) and all-purpose yards (4,116), and he scored a touchdown in one out of every 6.5 times he touched the ball.
Penn also set several Ivy League records with the most consecutive games with a receiving touchdown (10), most consecutive games with a catch (40), most career record for receiving yards in Ivy League games (2,675) and most career 100-yard games (19).
Watson wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but shined at his pro day where the Bucs were in attendance. Watson’s 40-yard dash times ranged from 4.39 to 4.44 and his median average of 4.42 would have tied for fifth among wide receivers that ran at the Combine. Watson’s 40-inch vertical would have been first among wide receivers in Indianapolis, and his 20 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press would have ranked tied for fourth among receivers.
Watson’s Penn Career Receiving Stats

2017: 81 catches for 1,083 yards (13.4 avg.), 14 TDs, long of 80

2016: 89 catches for 1,115 yards (12.5 avg.), 8 TDs, long of 67
2015: 74 catches for 1,082 yards (14.6 avg.), 9 TDs, long of 79

2014: 42 catches for 497 yards (11.8 avg.), 2 TDs, long of 55
Watson’s Penn Career Rushing Stats

2017: 167 carries for 854 yards (4.7 avg.), long of 21

2016: 23 carries for 133 yards (5.8 avg), long of 20

2015: 10 carries for 154 yards (15.4 avg.), 1 TD, long of 79
Watson shined at the East-West Shrine Game where he went up to the special teams coordinator and asked that he be placed on all of the special teams units, knowing that he’ll need to star on punt and kick coverage to make it in the NFL. Watson was so impressive in practices that he was an injury replacement at the Senior Bowl. He made several impressive catches in practice and had a 34-yard reception in the Senior Bowl game.
The Bucs have four wide receivers that are guaranteed to make the roster in Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Chris Godwin and Adam Humphries, but could use another wide receiver to challenge Bobo Wilson, Freddie Martino, Devin Lucien and Jake Lampman for the fifth spot on the depth chart. Tampa Bay could use a bit more size in the receiver room as Evans is currently the only one over 6-foot-2. Quarterback Jameis Winston could use another big target with a wider catch radius, and the speedy Watson could fill that role.
To view Watson highlights, click here.
More Watson highlights can be found by clicking here.
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About the Author: Scott Reynolds
1- Derwin James S FSU. YES!
2- Nick Chubb. Acceptable but I’d prefer Jaire Alexander CB UL. He’s my #1 CB.
We need a good corner to replace Grimes.
3- Gone.
I’m not feeling any of the picks beyond this point.
4-Dante Pettis WR Washington
5- Royce Freeman RB Oregon
6- DJ Reed CB KSU
7- Kevin Ford RB TAMU
Keith Ford, sorry autocorrect.
Chubb looks pedestrian to me, even in 2014. The 4th round runner looked even worse.
This is a really nice draft!! Taking Chubb in the 2nd may be a reach, but, like you said, he may not last until the third!! Closing out with 2 CBs and the WR are smart depth moves!! This draft has a different feel now that Licht has addressed the most pressing needs!!
If Michel is available at our 2nd round pick there better not be any chance we take Chubb over him.
The following would be nice:
1st – Chubb, Nelson…or trade down and get a good OL and DT in the first round (Ward/Vita if available still at 12 – assuming the trade down involves buffalo).
2nd – Sony Michel…if not available, try to trade down to get an extra pick and draft RB Chubb later in the second round.
Will not get worked up over a mock draft but again not a fan at all. I usually agree with you guys but this year not so much. Chubb is a reach with our 2nd rd pick and we will be leaving better players on the board by making that move. I like Derwin but I would not draft him before Chubb Nelson Barkley or Ward I think all 4 are better talents at more pressing/premium needs. If for some miracle their all gone ( I give it 100% chance that at least 2 will be available when we pick)… Read more »
Vita Vea?? What? In what world did that even make sense for the Bucs?
I’m thinking we need an earlier CB. Not sure who fits the bill but waiting until the 6th round seems crazy when we don’t have a starter alongside Grimes although I do like the depth with doubling up. VH3 might be tried out again on the outside but he will probably be relegated to the slot.
I’d try hard to trade down and get 2 for 1. That way we recoup that 3rd rd loss. And I’d still take another DE with one of our top 2 picks. You can never have enough good pass rushers. I’m not crazy about safeties and CB’s taken high when you got more pressing needs. There is great value for the Defensive secondary in the later rounds. Solidify your trenches!!
No doubt McCoy, Kwon and David are all great players, but believe the jury’s still out on their leadership abilities. Understand that because they’re the foundation of the D, it’s easy to assume they’re quality leaders. But are they? Multiple players, including McCoy himself, have spoken on how there has been a definite lack of holding players accountable for their actions, missed assignments, etc. While that is an indictment on the coaching staff, it also points to a lack of leadership in the locker room as well. Hopefully some of the new blood can assist in getting this rectified.
Like the double-dip at RB and think Chubb and Hines would compliment each other well. Would prefer another FA CB was added instead of relying on a 5th or 6th round rookie CB to produce. Assuming the staff has more confidence than me, but if Grimes goes down we’re probably looking at VH3 and Smith as our starters with Elliot at nickel. Scary thought imo. Hoping Smith at least adjusts his concepts to take better advantage of what his DB’s do well.
I’m no judge of personel as I have said many times. I usually just listen to the so called experts who get 50 percent of thier picks right like the GMs. The draft is a crap shoot or how else would guys like Cameron Brate, Richard Shermen and even the great Tom Brady fall so far in the draft or not even get drafted at all. The reason is that no scouts, or GMs can measure the intangibles like heart and desire. The Bucs drafted a great guard No. 1 one year and then it turned out he had the… Read more »
Aaron Sears was a second round pick.
The 2007 draft was a strange one with truly unforeseeable results for the Bucs. I can’t fault the GM, Bruce Allen or the Head Coach, Jon Gruden for what happened. We drafted DE Gaines Adams with the fourth pick of the 1st round. We drafted LG Aaron Sears with the third pick of the 2nd round. They both looked like wonderful picks after their first years in the NFL. Adams was considered a “bust” by fans and media. He was traded to Chicago later and eventually cut. He died of a heart condition at the age of 26. Sears left… Read more »
Scott like 1st pick James. I’m more incline to find CB or DE in 2nd & 4th round. 5th & 6th I’m looking for RB or OL. OR QB. 7TH CB
No to Chubb. I want Sony Michel. To me it goes 1a. Barkley and a close 1b. Michel. Michel is special. Chubb can be grouped with RBs 5-10.
Good draft, but where the hell is the guard?! We need another guard
Right there w/ ya BD-W….
I kept expecting to see OL additions/depth.
This is a perfect example of reading too much into combine stats. Michel will be a better running back in the NFL than Chubb, despite being .02 slower and a little weaker. He’s a better football player.
Guice will be the RB we take someway.
I would like to have every player you named. But, can we risk so much on Sweezy/Smith at Guard? And, if we can, isn’t Cornerback a bigger need than Safety? I have to hope for a trade of our number seven pick down to Buffalo. Round 1 pick 22 from Buffalo – Guard – Wynn or Hernandez; Round 2 pick 38 from Tampa – Running Back – Chubb will be perfect with Barber; Round 2 pick 53 from Buffalo – Safety – Reid, Harrison, Edmonds? Round 2 pick 56 from Buffalo – Cornerback – Davis, D. Jackson, J.C. Jackson, Alexander?… Read more »
Yes Derwin James is a big physical specimen but he is absolutely no playmaker with only two interceptions all of 2017 and only 11 passes defended and was hurt all but two games in 2016 so there is a clear durability issue with him and there is no way we should waste a 7th pick on James. If the big 3 aren’t available at 7, trade down with Buffalo. Grab G Hernandez at 12 and Penny with the other first pick. Yes our coaching is no good at developing a top CB, but you already have a veteran playmaker, Tandy,… Read more »
You should start off every one of your posts with that “Two Bits” cheer.
Well he blew his knee out that year and hasn’t missed a game outside of that so not sure exactly what durability “issues” you’re talking about. As for ball skills, those stats are good for a safety. If you’re going strictly on college ball skills, I guess Jalen Ramsey wouldn’t have gotten drafted at all.
I would feel bad about missing Vea but James is a decent pick.
Drafting 2 RB’s in a row is a disaster – especially those 2.
You should be trading down in the 1st and 2nd if you are drafting those players. Otherwise this is terrible.
Jones in the 5th is great but a pipe dream. He is a straight up gangster and going much earlier than that.
Jones in the 4th and Justin Jackson in the 5th with Michel NOT Chubb in the 2nd and it isnt nearly so terrible.
I would love Derwin James but hate every other pick.
Rd 1 – If B Chubb and Nelson are gone, I’d be ok with James, Ward, or trading back Rd 2 – Chubb seems like a bit of a reach here, Michel or Guice should be our target. If they’re gone we can trade back to make up for the 3rd we traded away. After the first 2 rounds it’s a BPA draft imo. I don’t think doubling up on RB is a good idea when our secondary needs so much help though. Waiting till the 5th seems too late to address the position to me. We’ve set ourselves up… Read more »
It all comes down to how many Q.B.’s are drafted ahead of us. If four go, one of the big three falls to us, and fills a need. If only three are taken, it’s a given Barkley, Chubb, Nelson are gone. It’s easy to say trade down if that happens, but someone has to be willing to want our spot. We do need to draft two R.B.’s, say what you want about fantasy football not being real, but if you don’t have a good stable of backs you’re screwed. We’d be gambling on two late round D.B.’s, they might have… Read more »
At this time I don’t see Chubb being available when we pick at 7. Barkley is also unlikely to be available. My scenario is: 1. Cleveland, QB 2. NYG, QB 3. NYJ, QB 4. Cleveland, Barkley or Chubb 5. Denver, QB 6. Indy, Chubb, Barkley or Nelson 7. TB 8. Chicago, [Trubisky] 9. San Francisco [Garoppolo] 10. Oakland, [Carr] 11. Miami, [Tannehill] 12. Buffalo {needs a QB} Should a quarterback that Buffalo wants be available they may wish to jump past Miami, who would be the only viable competitor for the quarterback as I see it. In that case, they… Read more »
P.S. Looks like we will have to choose between the best available CB, RB or G in the second round because we no longer have a pick in the third. Let’s hope that Licht is able to find more help in the remaining time before the draft among possible released players, free agents and/or trades.
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Go Bucs!!!!!
you must have smoked some dust this weekend bruh…the 2nd and 4th picks are hilarious…chubb is gonna free fall in this draft with that reconstructed knee…he is not a back teams are going to grab too fast…go watch his knee injury – it is straight brutal…if he is an everyday nfl back he will surely have a setback…it’s the nfl and injuries just happen…the bucs will not draft him…forget the dude in the 4th…i gave up reading after that because you definitely got smoked out before hitting the ipad on this one
Going into offseason he was a list of top defenders according to the experts
Here’s was a breakdown of the top 15 free agents by defensive position for 2018:
Which one did Tampa pick up ???
Edge defender:
Julius Peppers
William Hayes
Trent Murphy
Pernell McPhee
Aaron Lynch
Alex Okafor
Adrian Clayborn
Kony Ealy
Connor Barwin
Jeremiah Attaochu
Junior Galette
Derrick Shelby
Barkevious Mingo
Kareem Martin
Erik Walden
I would change the first pick to Denzel Ward, CB Ohio State. Ward is a game changer with speed to burn, great instincts and ball skills. We need someone with this speed in our secondary and as much as we need a strong safety type, a CB is just as big a need and has a bigger impact on the game. It is also a position of need as Hargreaves is not working out and even if he does we need 3 CB’s. Also, as mentioned on this site, Grimes’ career is coming to a close and we don’t know… Read more »
BUCS MOCK DRAFT Draft Strategy *This mock draft assumes that both DE Bradley Chubb and OG Quenton Nelson are off the board. If not either will be taken at #7 in RD1. *This mock also assumes that a veteran CB will be signed in late free agency, DRC, Bashaud Breeland, etc. *The Bucs at #7 (1500 pts} trade down with the Bills at #12 (1200 pts). Bucs get Bills #12 (1200 pts) and Bills 2nd #53 (370 pts). 70 point differential is cost of doing business. With the loss of our 3rd round pick, we pick up an additional 2nd.… Read more »
Mac, best mock draft I have seen so far this season. As someone recently wrote you can never have to many pass rushers. The Bucs have two (JPP and Curry). Spence cannot be counted on to be there, if he is great, if not the Bucs need another pass rusher. Like both of your 6th round picks.
I’m impressed
Hmm, I love the Derwin pick in the first assuming the big three are already gone. This is also assuming we don’t trade back , which is what I would prefer. You might even be able to get Derwin there as well. In the second round, again, we don’t know who will be gone, but I’d love a DB there. This leaves us to the fourth round to get a back, which isn’t a good idea, so maybe we trade up into the third? The trade for JPP was worth it, but I really think Licht will try to get… Read more »
Nice list Scotty, I always look forward to this time of the year. You’re never too far off on what the are or should be thinking. The only problem I have is the 7th round. I loved your pick of Marred Carter. I hope that’s the pick vs Watson.
I’m not a big fan of D. James as he left too many plays on the field last year as a leader on a defense that underperformed last year. I was disappointed in him more for giving up plays in the passing game but he didn’t wow me with his run defense either. To me Fitzpatrick was a little better and that’s who I expect the Bucs to pick if they stay at #7, which I don’t think they will. I think they’ll trade down to the #12 spot for both of the Bills first round picks. Then they can… Read more »
I do like Chubb in the 2nd round. Unlike most though, I think this is a little late for him to be going rather than early. I think he’ll actually go in the second half of the 1st round.
I, like everyone else, was smitten with Michel during the Bowl Championship Series. However, upon further review some questions were raised. Like last year, I looked up the fumble rate of the draft eligible RBs. They were rated as Elite (150 or bettor); Above Average (125-149); Average (100-124); Below Average (76-99); and Red Flag (75 and lower). Michel was rated Red Flag with a score of 54.6, next to last. N. Chubb, 98.6; D. Guice 100.6; R. Penny 105.8;R. Freeman 114; J. Kelly 123.3;J. Adams 174; K. Johnson 1191.3; S. Barkley 193.3; R. Jones 207.7; and D. Williams 359. The… Read more »
Scott, as far as mocks go this is a good discussion piece. The Bucs still need pass rushers and a left guard. RB, DT, CB and SS are also needs. James is an above average SS. He won the combine, but his numbers in uniform don’t match his combine numbers. He would be a mid-to late first rounder for me, not a top ten, his game performance doesn’t support a top ten. With other needs I would not double up on RB that early in the draft. Finally, another 5’10” cornerback. Einstein said to do the same thing over and… Read more »
I’m hoping a QB falls to us and we trade down with BUF for their 2 ones:
1 – CB – Denzel Ward / Jaire Alexander
1 – G – Isaiah Wynn
2 – RB – Derrius Guice / Kerryon Johnson / Sony Michel
4 – S – Siran Neal / Deshon Elliott
5 – RB – Jordan Wilkins / Roc Thomas
6 – CB – Danny Johnson / Michael Joseph
6 – S – Dane Cruickshank
7 – G – Jacob Alsadek
If going with 2 RBs in this draft I’d go,
Rd1) SS Derwin James
Rd 2) RB Sony Michel
Rd 4) CB J.C. Jackson
Rd 5) RB Kalen Ballage
Rd 6) OT Jamarco Jones
Rd 6) WR Daurice Fountain
Rd 7) DT Deadrin Senat
Nice! Would like CB Brandon Facyson in the 4th as well.
Macabee, I would love your scenario or something along the similar line of thinking. No one can pick the actual real outcome. Getting all of the possible combinations including what other teams will do is a lot like actually figuring out by logic what this week’s numbers will be for Powerball.
Good educated guesses are a lot of fun!
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Go Bucs!!!
This draft is inane. Licht must have done it, because I thought you guys were smarter than that.
like the first two picks.
I pray we don’t wait that long for a cb!!!
I’m now hoping on of the 4 QBs is there at 7, trade down with Buffalo. #7 for #12, #22 and #65( get a 3rd round pick back, traded ours for JPP). If Derwin James is not there at 12, Rd 1) CB Josh Jackson/Mike Hughes Rd 1) DE Marcus Davenport Rd 2) RB Sony Michel Rd 3) LG Braden Smith Rd 4) SS Kyzir White Rd 5) RB Kalen Ballage Rd 6) WR Jaleel Scott Rd 6) OT Jamarco Jones Rd 7) DT Deadrin Senat If James is there at 12, Rd 1) SS Derwin James Rd 1) DE… Read more »