Blake Watson

Blake Watson started at Old Dominion to begin his college career, where he was initially recruited as a WR. Switched to RB in 2019 before taking over as the RB1 in 2021. Over 1,100 rushing yards and 8 TDs on the ground. In 2023, he switched over to Memphis where his receiving skyrocketed. Caught 53 balls for 480 yards. He averaged over 37 receiving yards per game - a mark that ranked first among all RBs in the class. He will be 25 years old in October and signed with the Denver Broncos after going undrafted.

Watson has better leg drive and contact balance than you'd expect from a back with his frame. He flashes good finishing ability at the end of his runs as he pinballs off defenders in the second level. He's a tough rusher on the interior. Watson can be tough to bring down as he slips arm tackles and defenders approaching him high. Watson has only average (at best) initial burst. He's at his best, operating with one cut. His start/stop ability isn't fantastic, and he can get himself into trouble when stringing multiple moves together early in runs. His vision overall is good. Watson will hesitate at the line at times, but it's not a consistent enough theme to be overly worried about it at the next level. His ability to set up defenders at the second level is fun. He follows his blocks well and can weave through traffic. Watson was utilized mainly on swing passes and dump-offs in college. He was deployed some in the slot or out wide while running outs and curls. His start/stop ability and short area agility will limit his ceiling in this aspect, but he does display in a small sample some underrated route running chops. Watson needs to continue to hone his pass-pro technique. He's mainly been used as a back to chip incoming defenders before he goes out for a route. Watson can hold his own in a pinch but don't expect him to knock any pass rushers back with ferocious power. Watson is still learning the running back position. He began his collegiate career as a wide receiver and transitioned to running back in 2019 while at Old Dominion. Dynasty Outlook: Watson went undrafted, but he signed a UDFA deal with the Denver Broncos. Watson is a talented back and is a nearly free bet or hedge against not only Javonte Wiliams but Audric Estime. Watson is a low-cost taxi squad flier that could pay dividends.