Survivor I - Ben Watson Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2004	2	16	0	1.6	94

Positives - Watson was a 1st round pick of the Patriots last year. He possesses great size (6-3, 253lbs) and speed (4.4 40 time) and should be an effective big play threat from anywhere on the field. He should be given the chance to earn significant playing time over the course of the season and has the raw ability to be a star at the position. Daniel Graham was used often as a blocker and should resume that role this season opening the door for Watson to become the primary receiving threat at TE on the team.

Negatives - Watson was hurt the first week of the season last year and needs to prove he is fully recovered. Graham has played well when given the opportunity to catch passes from Tom Brady and any mistakes by the inexperienced Watson will not be tolerated by the N.E. coaching staff. There are only so many passes to go around and Brady is likely to look to the veterans on the team in clutch situations. There is a small window of opportunity that could close on Watson quickly making him an afterthought for much of the season.

Draft Strategy - This is a big time deep sleeper pick this year. Watson could be a total bust or could be this years breakout TE. Because I already have Tony Gonzalez I decided to take a chance on Watson as any other TE selected here would likely never outscore Gonzalez during the course of the season anyway. If Watson performs up to his hype and potential, he should provide several big weeks. On the other hand, should Gonzalez miss time this year, I may regret not taking a backup who is at least assured of getting consistent playing time. I would have selected Doug Jolley here if he were not chosen just prior to my pick. With the quality of the other teams in this league, the upside of this pick was worth the risk.