What Would Sammy Watkins Carry to the Ravens?
With free-agent extensive receiver Sammy Watkins reportedly in Baltimore at this time for a go to with the Ravens, Russell Street Report’s Dev Panchwagh reached out to Chiefs Wire’s Charles Goldman for perception into the veteran and the way he would match with the Ravens.
Watkins, who performed his previous three seasons in Kansas Metropolis, is probably not the “true No. 1 receiver” some Ravens followers covet, however he may very well be a beneficial addition to Baltimore’s offense in a number of methods, Goldman stated.
“I believe he’d assist out the unit in offering a veteran presence with playoff expertise, which actually cannot be overstated contemplating the targets of Baltimore,” Goldman stated. “His presence on the sector would assist release a few of the different guys like Hollywood Brown and Mark Andrews within the passing sport. He might additionally assist with the event of a few of these youthful guys like Devin Duvernay and James Proche.
“I believe that Watkins can undoubtedly assist out when the Ravens are giving run-first seems, be it as a blocker or operating play-action. He’ll even be an asset within the tight formations, the place they’re attempting to ascertain the run after which unfold a protection out just a few performs later. I am unsure that Watkins goes to be a big-play menace at this level in his profession. In Kansas Metropolis, he feasted on the middle-of-field stuff like crossing routes, comebacks. He additionally does a very good job navigating visitors with the ball in his fingers. Typically he’ll be capable of sneak behind the protection, but it surely’s most likely not the perfect a part of his sport.”
Watkins’ expertise has by no means been a difficulty. The fourth-overall choice in 2014, Watkins totaled 125 receptions for two,029 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first two seasons. His offensive coordinator in Buffalo on the time was present Ravens Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman.
The problem has been staying wholesome. Watkins, 27, hasn’t performed in all 16 video games since his rookie yr. He is performed in 9 video games or fewer in three of his seven NFL seasons.
Because of this, Watkins has by no means come near placing up the numbers he did in his first two seasons. In his previous 5 seasons (one with the Payments, one with the Rams and three with the Chiefs), Watkins has averaged 39 catches and 527 yards.
This previous season, Watkins missed seven video games and completed with 37 catches for 421 yards (a career-low) and two touchdowns (tying a profession low). His 11.4 yards-per-catch common additionally was a profession low (though his 67.3 catch share was the second-highest of his profession).
“Watkins has completely earned the popularity of being injury-prone,” Goldman wrote. “He did not have a single full season in Kansas Metropolis and the newest one was fairly abysmal, particularly late within the yr. It is not like vital stuff both like breaks or sprains, it is tender tissue accidents which might be lasting for months. Groups are going to should really feel comfy with the place Watkins is at health-wise earlier than they signal him.”
Regardless of Watkins’ injury-marred stint in Kansas Metropolis, Goldman stated the receiver’s contributions throughout the Chiefs’ 2019 Tremendous Bowl run can’t be overemphasized.
“I believe you possibly can actually sum it up with the next assertion: ‘The Chiefs do not win Tremendous Bowl LIV with out Sammy Watkins,'” Goldman stated. “There is a cause that he is earned the nickname ‘Playoff Sammy’ throughout his time in Kansas Metropolis. This man has a penchant for developing with clutch catches and monster performances within the playoffs, when issues matter essentially the most.
“I believe you possibly can toss out the dangerous and the ugly with Watkins when his contributions instantly resulted within the Chiefs attending to and profitable a sport that they have been attempting to get to and win for 5 many years. That’ll be his legacy and what he is remembered for.”
On a aspect be aware, the Ravens reportedly will not be the one crew desirous about Watkins.
