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New York Giants Reserve/Future Contracts: WR Todd Watkins

Next in our look at the players offered reserve/future contracts by the New York Giants is wide receiver Todd Watkins. Most recently with the Oakland Raiders, Watkins is 27 years old and nearly five years removed from his days at Brigham Young University. Watkins was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft, and after spending most of his time there on the practice squad he was cut following the 2007 preseason.

Star-divide

After a stint on the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad, Watkins was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Raiders in the 2008 offseason. Watkins appeared in only eight games his first year with the silver and black, but in 2009, he suited up for 13 and caught eight balls for 90 yards. He was released in September.

Watkins transferred to BYU from Grossmont Junior College (he previously attended Norfolk State), where he doubled as a receiver and placekicker. At Helix High School in San Diego, Watkins took the field with current NFL-ers Reggie Bush and Alex Smith and lettered in football, volleyball, soccer and track.

Needless to say, Watkins presents definite athletic promise. At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds., he possesses solid size ­­­- perhaps a bit thin - and blazing speed (he's been clocked at 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash) that made him one of the best deep threats in the nation during his college years. Back in 2005, Scout.com gave Watkins a generally positive review.

"Quick, explosive wide out who plays faster then his 40 time. Explodes off the line, displays sharpness running routes and gets separation. Comes back to the ball working to make himself an available target.  Good eye\hand coordination and extends to make the reception away from his frame. Has a second gear and switches it on, running to the deep throw."

Clearly, Watkins has the physical tools. Prior to the 2006 Draft, though, his stock fell severely after he gained a reputation for dropping easy passes and having fumbling issues (cue the collective Giants fan groan). Receiver is perhaps the most frequently debated position for Giants fans; many love the trio of Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham, while others are far from sold. Though the Giants do have question marks at receiver outside their big three - Ramses Barden, Derek Hagan, Devin Thomas, Mike Clayton and Duke Calhoun hardly inspire much confidence - there are still significant obstacles in front of Watkins.

Chance of sticking around: Not likely

Poll
Do you think Todd Watkins will stick with the Giants?
Yes
377 votes
No
270 votes
Too early to tell
186 votes

833 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 13 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Don't see him making it to the roster

but worth a try with that speed.

We feel the need, the need for speed.

Can he run back punts? Never mind, he was a placekicker, can he punt? Don’t Dodge the question.

:)

All the Giants should play like Mark Bavaro.
Tom Quinn Must Go!
On second thought, let's not blame players or coaches, they are not responsible. The unsupportive fans are to blame.

by UnknownJintsFan on Feb 4, 2011 10:35 AM EST reply actions  

Treat him like cooked pasta.....

Throw him to the wall and see if he sticks….

by BigBlue82 on Feb 4, 2011 10:40 AM EST reply actions  

kickoff returner?

a guy that fast running straight up the line should be able to return kicks (and maybe punts) reasonably well. Granted, at his size he might get killed, but its worth a shot to try.

I realize Hixon will be back, but there’s no guarantee how he’ll play coming off the injury.

by Matt dubs on Feb 4, 2011 11:27 AM EST reply actions  

Very Funny...

No, he can’t but why does that matter?

Neither does TQ know but he STILL has a f* job.

Thanks TC for coaching while blind.

All the Giants should play like Mark Bavaro.
Tom Quinn Must Go!
On second thought, let's not blame players or coaches, they are not responsible. The unsupportive fans are to blame.

by UnknownJintsFan on Feb 4, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions  

For real?

in every thread that i’ve read about the giants something always comes up about how there are already too many receivers on the roster yet the giants are looking to bring in another receiver? Is SS12 going to be back to his regular playing level next year? Will Plaxico Burress actually be considered? Are any of the back up receivers going to stay (besides Hagan)? This guy looks like he’d be good for trick plays which the giants don’t use ever besides the rare direct runningback snap.

by Trev Lawson on Feb 4, 2011 1:32 PM EST reply actions  

Maybe now

I hope he holds onto the ball well enough to use his speed. While playing for BYU in a game at Notre Dame, he dropped three passes behind the secondary. BYU then went to short passes and the ground game only — and lost.

by manaen on Feb 4, 2011 1:50 PM EST reply actions  

He'll be the fastest on our team.

I hope he makes the roster because we need some speed.

Rex Ryan... I salute you!

by jdaking123 on Feb 4, 2011 2:13 PM EST reply actions  

His speed does intrigue

but our returners on ST aren’t the problem. It is solely and wholey the coaching, the scheme and the lack of any real seams and creases for a returner to run thru. Countless times we all saw our KR return one from the goal line only to be faced by a group of opposing players at the 15. It seemed like the 20 yard line was a brick wall at times. Todd Watkins is a player to keep around for practice and competition but I don’t see him as much else. There is no more room at the Inn.

by Robin's-meats-and-vegetables on Feb 4, 2011 5:06 PM EST reply actions  

that's a good point

he would be useful cause he could imitate the speed of the eagles receivers

by NFC BEAST on Feb 4, 2011 6:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Hey Mike

You left Cruz and Hixon out of the equation in the article. Was that an error or did I miss something about them being let go?

by BigBlueBallin on Feb 5, 2011 9:28 AM EST reply actions  

I was focusing on healthy receivers

I guess I was considering Cruz and Hixon as question marks, given their finishing the year on injured reserve. I’d hesitate to put them out of the picture, though.

by Mike Fiammetta on Feb 7, 2011 5:36 PM EST up reply actions  

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