Pat Watkins S 6'4 200 Florida St.
By: Robert Davis

Pat Watkins was one of the best high school recruits in the country in 2002, and after playing a reserve role as a freshman, he began living up to the hype as a sophomore. In 2003, Watkins finished the year with 62 tackles and three interceptions. His numbers were almost identical as a junior, when he racked up 56 tackles and four interceptions. Again as a senior, the numbers were similar, as he posted a career high 67 tackles t o go with three interceptions.

Watkins is the ideal free safety from a physical standpoint. He has excellent height, athleticism, and quickness. He shows the quickness to break on the ball and the speed to chase down from behind. Watkins is also very tough, and willing to attack the line of scrimmage in run support. He is quick to diagnose the play and is aggressive in run support or going after the ball while it is in the air.

The only flaw physically with Watkins is his lack of bulk. He is lanky and will need to get stronger to play in the NFL. More physical wide receivers will be able to outmuscle him for the ball, and when asked to help in run support, he can be taken out of plays. While he was very good in college, he never seemed to take the next step up and dominate like his talent suggests he can.

Watkins is one of the better free safety prospects in the draft because of his talent and the untapped potential he still has. There are a few underclassmen that could push Watkins down the safety board a bit, but he is a fine talent no matter who is in the draft. There is a very good possibility he hears his name called in the third round somewhere. If he goes any lower than that, he has the ability to be a major steal for whoever drafts him.