Nick Watkins
Height: 6'1
Weight: 180
Brainiac’s Average Grade: Football 3.8 / 5.0

Image from 247.com

Shows elite size for a cornerback with above average instincts. More natural to play in a Cover 2 scheme or Tampa because of his terrific size, with long arms could create leverage problems along with blue chip ball skills.  Athleticism is above average because of a strong vertical but lacks the top gear speed. Not overly high twitched athlete on breaking to flats in smash concepts. Also plays in the TAPPS division of Texas High School football where talent is leaving you a little bit more to be desired.

Grade: 3.6

Dual threat player. Natural at both DB and receiver. Has great hands which makes him versatile. Fast once in the open field. He over pursues every now and then. His athleticism and speed keep him in the play in high school but it will catch up to him in the next level. Hard not like the long frame.

Grade: 3.9

The more watch Nick the more I’m impressed. Great athlete with good physical skills. He is a high IQ player which allows him to play with great instincts. He stays around the ball and knows when to leave his man to break up a play. He has fluid hips and quick feet to match up with many Wide Receivers at the next level. This player attacks the ball at its highest point, which in turn will give him the opportunity to make plays in man-to-man coverage. Overall, will be a dynamic player with continued experience if put into the right scheme.

Grade: 4.2

Great size for a corner and gives a team the flexibility in terms of size to turn him into a cover safety if needed. Ball skills are very nice which is hugely important in the Big 12 when turnovers are a must. Not sure I see elite athleticism. On a couple jump ball clips you see incredible ball skills but you don’t necessarily see him elevate over the DB or in the open field you don’t necessarily see him break away from guys to show top end speed. I suspect he has good not great speed and looks to have good not great foot quickness. He can work on his foot quickness but still has to be “light” on his feet and naturally fluid to develop into a corner in the Big 12. Overall there is a lot to like here.

Grade: 3.5

Big corner elite ball skills.  Good but not great speed.  Solid change of direction.  Makes up for top end speed with savvy and the ball skills.  Nice instincts.

Grade: 3.6

 

 

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