Who is Todd Watkins?
Todd Watkins was a free-agent wide receiver that the Raiders claimed off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons. He spent the majority of 2007 on the Falcons' practice squad. This provides you some background; still doesn’t answer the question.
To answer this question we need to go back a little further. In his early years of high-school athletics—Todd Watkins was a multi-sport athlete at Helix High School in San Diego, California. He lettered in football, volleyball, soccer, and track; he was the first athlete in 25 years to accomplish that feat at Helix High.
As a football player he earned All-County Honors during his junior and senior seasons. His teammates included current NFL stars Reggie Bush and Alex Smith; the team won the 2000 San Diego Section Division II CIF Football Championship. His teammates had scholarships and were off to USC and University of Utah.
Watkins wasn’t as fortunate and enrolled at Norfolk State, but redshirted during 2001 season. He later transferred to Grossmont (California) Junior College and played in 10 games during the 2002 season.
His numbers were modest at best as a wide receiver; he finished with 11 receptions for 299 yards and four touchdowns. His most significant contribution to the team was as a place kicker: he made 10-of-11 field goals and 46 of 49 PAT kicks.
His second season at Grossmont is when Watkins elevated his performance as a wide receiver. He caught 40 passes for 915 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the Griffins to a 13-1 record and the Foothill Valley Conference championship.
As a placekicker, he made 12-of-15 field goals and 50-of-51 PAT kicks. He scored a total of 134 points (combined receiving and kicking) which was the highest total in the conference.
He was named the Offensive Player of the year for 2003, and even received First Team All-American recognition from JC Gridwire and Junior College Athletic Bureau.
Watkins transferred to Brigham Young University in 2004 and instantly became a starter at wide receiver. BYU opened the season against Notre Dame, and Watkins made an immediate impact.
His first reception as a Cougar was a terrific 50-yard catch against double coverage; the play set up a touchdown on BYU’s first possession of the game.
Late in the fourth quarter of that game, Watkins made another tremendous grab, a 37-yarder that sealed the Cougars’ 20-17 victory.
Todd Watkins gained national media attention with a spectacular performance against Boise State in the fourth game of the season. Held in check by Broncos in the first half, he was unstoppable in the second half. He finished the game with nine receptions for 211 yards.
He caught a 79-yard touchdown pass from John Beck in the third quarter, and a 52-yard grab in the fourth quarter. BYU lost the game, but Todd Watkins had established himself as a dangerous weapon for the Cougars.
He finished the season with 52 receptions for 1,042 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 94.7 yards receiving per game, a Mountain West Conference record.
He averaged 20 yards per reception—impressive enough that Sports Illustrated named him the best deep threat in the nation.
What if he became the best deep threat in the Raider Nation? He does have experience giving the Broncos fits.
Prior to his senior season, catching the attention of pro scouts, he was considered the third-best wide receiver in the class behind Santonio Holmes and Greg Lee. “The best receiver in school history in the best receiver on the board; virtual flawless.” – Lindy’s Sports
The expectations were extremely high going into his senior season. However, a cruel twist of fate seems to have happen to the fast kid from San Diego, California. BYU had a new head coach (Bronco Mendenhall) and a new offensive coordinator (Robert Anae). BYU’s offense relied heavily on shorter passing routes, and quarterback John Beck threw fewer deep passes to Watkins.
BYU also lost freshman, star receiver Austin Collie, the opposing defenses then focused their pass coverage strictly on Todd Watkins. He was often double-teamed, sometimes he even saw the rare triple-team; his statistics dropped in 2005 as a result.
He put up respectable numbers, finishing the season with 49 receptions for 678 yards, 13.8 yards per catch and a team-high nine touchdowns. The seven receptions for 176 yards and three touchdown performance against TCU was his best game as a senior.
In a sense, his star power decreased in one year; he was now the No.20 ranked WR in the class. The 6’3” 191 lbs. WR was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round.
If I’m asked who’s Todd Watkins? I’ll sound like Jules Winnfield from Pulp Fiction fame; "Well allow me to retort".
He is a deep-threat receiver that has the top-end speed teams must respect. He’s run a 4.28 forty, and has been turning heads in the Raiders' OTAs, catching several passes.
He is the ultimate sleeper pick, no longer buried on the depth chart behind the likes of Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Bryant Johnson.
He could provide the much needed dimension that the Raiders haven’t seen in a while, and allow JaMarcus Russell to display his legendary arm strength.
He is a excellent all-around athlete and a productive player who has something to prove to this coaching staff, and the NFL.
He is taking well to James Lofton’s coaching, and if his development continues, he could be the best deep-threat in the Raider Nation, giving you more than one reason not to sleep on Todd Watkins.
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about 1 month ago
Wow Great Insight, Jeff! I seriously never thought that this kid could have so much potential and history behind him. I honestly hope that he can turn into a monster at WR, which his past portrays him to be. With recievers like Walker, Carter, Curry, Lee Higgins and now Shields, this guy will have to compete real hard to make the roster but the competition is what might squeeze the juice of sucess right out of him. The thing is that with Atlanta and Vick as QB why hadnt Watkins shown himself to be that threat?
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the compliments and the feedback, Umer! He never played with Michael Vick in Atlanta. He as drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2006 he was cut after week four that is when he went to Atlanta. He is taking advantage of his opportunity with the Raiders and he fills a huge need for Raiders and he has a coach that can bring out the best in him. Again, there are no guarantee's but any player was drafted and not been able to show what they can do is really going play hard to prove that they belong. The Raiders have will several WR's in training camp and the competition will be intense but one of the things Watkins has going for him is that he was a productive player in college at a need position and he has been though one training camp before. This time he has veteran players ahead oh him on the depth chart but he can make the team as a #3 or #4 receiver.
about 1 month ago
Have to admit, anybody not named Fitzgerald, or Boldin for that matter, has a problem being noticed on the Cards' roster. He might make the big play, thanks to Curry's recent injury, but if both of them turn out to be healthy....could be fun watching the Raiders play multiple options.....other teams won't know what to expect.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the feedback Raider Card! I agree with Curry's recent injury I think it gives him a shot. I hope Curry recovers but the Raider offense has the potential to be a monster.
about 1 month ago
My Bad, Jeff! I thought he was with Atlanta before the Vick departure and was drafted much earlier. Thanks for the reply!
By the way, I have a problem "Replying to a comment", posting a message on a bulletin board and writing articles! Anyways, Great Job!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks again Umer. I hope the problem is resolved.
about 1 month ago
Jeff,
This is really in-depth stuff! Great article! You've definitely sold me on this guy...are you sure you're not his agent? Maybe they ought to hire you for some PR.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comments and the compliments, Rob! I wrote the piece because he is talented guy who has a shot. All we can ask for is an oppotrtunity. This could a matter of a man taking advantage of his moment or not. I have to say that I'm not a member of the PR team but if he can continue to develop and be a viable option in the Raiders diverse yet versatile 2008 offense then I expect a call from his PR staff and a meeting with the Raiders to receive just due compensation for imforming others of his talent.
about 1 month ago
Jeff,
I'm taken aback by this kid's talent and his history (4.28 ain't shabby!)
Indeed, it will be interesting to see how he stacks up with our receiving corps.
If I'm not mistaken, Drew Carter has also been an impact player in the slot.
Assuming it's a (foot) race between Carter/Watkins/Shields, training camp should be
fun to watch at the very least.
I hope it works out for him now. And yes, I agree with Rob, talk to Al's PR people.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comments and the compliments, Alex. You are correct in your assumption it will be an intense competition at the WR position. There are no guarantees but with Ronald Curry recovering from another injury he has a shot to battle with Johnnie Lee Higgins for the #3 or #4 WR slot. I have to say that I'm not one of he PR people but I'm willing to negotiate.
about 1 month ago
I am a BYU and Raider fan. I watched Todd Watkins at BYU and personnally (as much as it pains me to say) feel Todd is overrated. He has the breakaway speed, which makes him so appealing, but he doesn't always have the hands or mentality to pull in the bombs. I saw a lot of wide-open, on-the-money bombs dropped. This was at critical and non-critical times of the games. This was the reason his numbers were so low his senior season. Yes, the offense changed, but Watkins dropped critical balls. Anyone who saw BYU at ND could tell you that. If he had caught all of the easy catches that year, he would have easily been over 1,000 yds.
Please don't get me wrong. I hope Todd succeeds. I even have a jersey of his. I think he is a great guy, but was a bit of a disappointment. I hope he worked out the hands problems. And go Raiders!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comments and feedback, Jon. I can agree with the statement that he was a bit of a disappointment at times but I disagree with being overrated. The fact of the matter is that when he was hit with the four-punch combination of a new head coach, new offensive coordinator, loss of WR Austin Collie and a change in philosophy in offensive strategy he had to make adjustments and those adjustments take time and these were the some of the reasons his numbers dropped. When a player goes from the most dynamic offensive player on the team and the teams go to guy to an afterthought due to double and triple coverage your numbers will drop. I'll go as far as saying if he wasn't hit with the four-punch combo and the staff remained for his senior season he would've been drafted higher than 7th round especially in a weak WR Draft class and wouldn't looked upon as a disappointment. As far as the drops passes yes he did drop passes but there isn't a WR at any level that can say they've never dropped any passes. I've got a question for you, if he was in your eyes a bit of a disappointment and overrated who in your book on the BYU team wasn't? He is a talented guy that has an opportunity to see some playing time and he is a guy with something to prove. There are no guarantees but his time is now. It might be a matter of a man taking advantage of his moment or not but he is standing at the starting line come training camp.
from about 1 month ago
Just another quik thought about guys dropping passes look at what owens did when he went to the Cowboys he dropped several key passes it happens ....new system requires learning curve even for great recievers as owens ...I think he will do fine once he settles in as long as he gets the oppurtunity to show what hes got....all in all I think he is very underated .....
about 1 month ago
On that team, when Todd was a senior, I don't remember a whole lot of bright side. We were 6-6 that year. We had so many opportunities to win games that everyone screwed up on. We had three losses decided by seven or less. John Beck was not nearly the player he became to be. Collie was gone. Curtis Brown was solid as a RB (not a disappointment at all). Harline at TE was a stud. If you are talking all-time non-disappointments, I have a mile long list.
There is no question that having a new coach and starting new habits has an effect on players and the team. Yes, Anae created a shorter game, but still used Watkins when he got open. With Watkin's speed, he got open a lot. This isn't the SEC where DBs have matching speed. Even ND couldn't slow him down. This isn't a discussion about being open or overall stats. He got open. It is what he did after that. He dropped the ball far too often to be considered a top level WR in the NCAA. He dropped 3 wide-open TD passes against ND that year. If he has put it together mentally since he left BYU, he will be awesome. The fact is that if you watched BYU games his senior year, you would completely understand why BYU fans generally consider Watkins to be a disappointment.
from about 1 month ago
Interesting thoughts, Jon. I like the debate but something I haven't read is the fact that just hearing the name Bronco Mendenhall leaves no doubt that he is a defensive coach. He was a career defensive assistant. The offense was basically the Texas Tech-based spread offense that Robert Anae, the former Red Raider offensive line coach, imported.
That spring Jon Beck had to prove himself all over again on the pratice field, which he did beating out injury-plagued senior Matt Berry and Jason Beck. He then had the challenge of mastering the Texas Tech spread offense. I saw it as more of a throwback to the LaVell Edwards vintage short passing game ... with a deep threat dash -- Todd Watkins -- thrown in.
I really liked RB Curtis Brown, he also was signed by the Raiders in 2007. The thought was that the passing game would thrive with the Texas Tech-inspired attack and further development of Beck at QB. Todd Watkins as the only deep threat, but there were several candidates for a short passing game and potential to balance things with a two-back ground attack.
That year it was a team in transition that got much better in the second year in the system as the 2006 record reflects. Todd would've been better in the system after two years as well. He dropped passes in the ND game but let me ask you what did the scoreboard read after that game? Did it read BYU won or did it read Todd Watkins dropped 3 wide-open passes? BYU fans were upset with the record of a team in transition learning a new scheme and what can't be denied is that going into the season Todd Watkins was a returning starter and on the list of players to watch joined by QB John Beck, RB Curtis Brown, LB Cameron Jensen, DE Manaia Brown.
I'm not sure where you got the "Top Level WR" take from. I never said he was. I'm quite sure you recall reading that he was drafted in the 7th round. He might not have been a decent WR by your standards but several NFL scouts who watched him play felt otherwise. The guy was drafted so I guess he caught enough passes or held onto the ball long enough for them. He is learning to be a professional and is listening to his coaches and developing. As I stated previously, he is a talented guy that caught the eye of several scouts. He is a guy that has an opportunity to play and has something to prove. How's that from a guy YOU think hasn't watched any BYU football games?
about 1 month ago
Also a BYU fan and observer of Watkin's college career. Overrated? No, I don't believe so. Underutilized as a deep threat in his senior year? Maybe, but when the entire defense shifts in his direction to make sure he's blanketed, you've got to expect that.
If Todd had any problems catching the ball, it was with mental focus and not with his hands. I suspect that if he's made the mental adjustment to the NFL and what it takes to stay on the field, focus will not be a problem for him. Nagging injuries may or may not be.
What he does bring to the table is extreme ability as an athlete. Not only is he fast, but he has great leaping ability and in-air body control. He makes some amazingly acrobatic catches. When focused, he's also able to bring in a reception despite lot's of physical contact before and after the ball arrives.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the feedback, Bandit. I agree with your takes and these are some of the points I was bringing up. I never said he was the best WR or a Top WR as others have commented. I just said he was a talented guy that has a shot at some playing time at a position of need.
about 1 month ago
I have to agree with the Jon. Todd Watkins was the most exciting and most horrific player to watch. He would haul in these amazing spiderman catches on a critical 3rd and long. Then break away lightning fast for an amazing deep catch, and take our breath away. But you could count on him to drop one easy catch for every superhero grab. So the overall effect was inconsistency.
I hope the best for him, and if his hands have matured he could be amazing. Good luck Todd! Thanks for the good article. I didn't know he was such an impressive kicker!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the compliments and comments, Bryce. Todd Watkins could be described as exciting but come on horrific? I really hope that your life hasn't come down to the point where a college player dropping a pass in a football game isn't a horrific experience. Keep in mind that when you saw him he was playing in college which is an institution of higher learning. He is still learning now it is the pro game with his third coaching staff. I'm wishing Todd the best and hope he catches on.
about 1 month ago
Jeff,
Finally a great article on bleacher report. This is what we are looking for when we come here. I hope the other writers on this site take a page from your book.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the compliments, Castor. I'm humbled & honored that you enjoyed the article and tood the time to comment.
from about 1 month ago
Let me try that again.
Thanks for the compliments, Castor. I'm humbled & honored that you enjoyed the article and took the time to comment.
about 1 month ago
Finally, a fresh article about one of the players that I would never have known about unless he makes a name for himself on the team. Thank you! I hope you continue digging up fresh information like this! Good Job!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the compliments, Gene! Thanks for reading and commenting on the article.
about 1 month ago
This is great insight and everything and it looks like you did your research.That being said its not gonna matter because this guy is camp filter that wont make the team.
If he was so great and had so much potential he wouldnt have been a 7th round draft pick and would have played last year in Arizona.
Your delusional and dont know jack about the NFL if you think he didnt play because of the players in front of him.
If you would have done more research you would have known that Fitzgerald and Boldin were both injured at times last year.So if he has so much potential in a 80% passing Offense why didnt he even make a dent?
See paragraph 1 camp filter.
from about 1 month ago
It's no longer a mystery what the D stands for Dumb! Funny how out oof work comedians like yourself like to add in words that weren't written. Who said dude was great? The piece was written about a talented guy who has the opportunity to get some playing time. I've done my research but you're incapable of doing any for yourself and you have NO Knowledge of football on any level. If you did you wouldn't ask the ridiculous question you did. If I'm so delusional why did you read the article. Delusional would be thinking that playing behind two established veteran WR a 7th round pick would play. Delusional would be trying to dog someone for writing a piece the wasn't designed for the peanut gallery that is on another website. Delusional would thinking anything you had to say was worth listening to. You can save all of your elementary school for someone else. You would be better off shutting your mouth and try to disquise the fact that you're an idiot as oppose to opening your mouth and removing all doubt. Thanks for wasting everyones time D no go outside and play.
about 1 month ago
Watkins was really fun to watch in 2004. The guy can just burn. Unfortunately for him, the offensive scheme changed and that really hurt him.
If you would like to see some of his highlights, go to:
http://justanotherdumb.com/byu/2004/
and watch the TCU game from this sight:
http://justanotherdumb.com/byu/2005/
about 1 month ago
Jeff,
I am a HUGE BYU fan from Alpine, Utah. I watched Watkins play at BYU and was very impressed with his speed, hands, and ability to adjust to find the ball. I don't really prefer the NFL but I truly believe he could make an impact for the Raiders. His overtime-thriller catch against TCU (possibly the highlight suggested above?) was tremendous and demonstrates the abilities I stated earlier. Anyway, this was a first-class article about a guy who deserves a chance to prove himself as NFL deep threat, as he was in college.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comments and the compliments, John! I've watched a few of his games over the years and I think that he is a talented guy that has all the attributes mentioned above getting a shot at some playing time and an opportunity to prove himself. Thanks for reading the article and taking the time to comment.
about 1 month ago
I saw Watkins play a lot at BYU while I was attending U of Utah and he is a deep threat and if given the chance can he can help spread the secondary. Great write up as well.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comments and the compliments, Jeremy. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
about 1 month ago
what ever happened to Austin Collie?
from about 1 month ago
2008 He will be in his junior season at BYU.
from about 1 month ago
He served a two year mission for the LDS Church. He will probably be the best wide receiver BYU ever had before he is done.
about 1 month ago
He is the ultimate sleeper pick, he might be I still say fear the Chaz he is what that usp!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for comment, Frank. I like Chaz as well and I might write a piece on him.
about 1 month ago
Good research Jeff. Nice article, it would be nice to see this kid emerge in OAK.... the odds are against him but lets hope so
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comments and the compliments, Andres. I agree the odds are against him and anyone who has taken the same path that he has to get this chance. He is a guy that has a shot at some playing time and he has something to prove. The jury is still out if he will make the roster or not but in the event he does he has deep threat speed that the Raiders could use. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
about 1 month ago
Good article Jeff. You know your stuff about Todd. I saw him play at BYU in person a few times. I would love to see him fit in with the Raiders. I havent followed the Raiders as close as I used to but isnt Russell out of LSU going to be the QB this year? Russell to Watkins could be interesting to watch!
Good luck to your Raiders this year..and to SC, esp agaisnt Ohio State! Fight ON!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comments and compliments, Jonathan. You are correct Russell is out of LSU. I hope Todd Watkins can catch he is a talented guy with an opportunity to prove what he can do. On another note, I feel the Trojans can handle Ohio State.
about 1 month ago
article "Is there a tackle in the house?" You can find it at:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/24286-Is-there-a-tackle-in-the-house-
from about 1 month ago
I've checked it out and commented. Good Read, Frank.
about 1 month ago
Good post.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the compliment, Jimminy!
about 1 month ago
Todd Watkins already seems to be generating a fair amount of early buzz among Raider fans. Should be an interesting shootout this preseason between Watkins, Arman Shields, Chaz Schilens, Drew Carter and Johnnie Lee Higgins. Also Jonathan Holland, if he's healthy enough to return.
Figure that Javon Walker and Drew Carter are probable locks, as is Ronald Curry if his surgically repaired foot heals. At most, the Raiders are likely to carry six receivers. That leaves six guys fighting for three spots.
Place your bets, Raider Nation.
G. "Pillaging just for fun"
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the feedback, Gregory. The competition at the WR position will be intense.
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