7 wide receivers the Panthers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft
Carolina Panthers could select Christian Watson (North Dakota State)
Measurements
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 208 pounds
2021 Stats
- 43 receptions
- 800 yards (18.6 YPR)
- 7 touchdowns
- 87.8 PFF grade
The physical specimen receiver of this year’s draft class is none other than North Dakota State’s star man, Christian Watson. At 6-foot-4, he is a freak of an athlete with 4.36-second speed in the 40-yard dash speed and an extremely high upside that can become a lethal weapon for any NFL team.
Watson’s ability to take the top off a defense is special. He was easily the best athlete on the field in just about every game he played in college.
He’ll obviously need to adjust to being guarded by way better athletes in the NFL. Even though Watson will still be one of the best athletes on the field most of the time.
Watson must also polish his game a lot as he moves on to the next level. NDSU didn’t run a very pass-friendly offense so his stats don’t exactly jump off of the page. Even still, his potential is through the roof.
As it relates to the Carolina Panthers, this would only be realistic if the team were to trade back and acquire picks in Round 2 or 3. Watson projects to be a second-round pick, so it’s highly unlikely he’s within reach unless they trade back for more capital.
However, if there is a chance for Carolina to add this dynamic pass-catcher, it would be a hard opportunity to pass on. Watson would add a different dynamic to the Panthers’ offense and allow the team to really start pushing the ball downfield.
If they get a proper quarterback that is.