Sleeper ‘Back: Blake Watson, RB, Memphis

First Round Mock’s William Yanish studied Memphis running back Blake Watson and sees him as someone who could help the Dallas Cowboys or a team with a young developing quarterback like the Carolina Panthers.

Running back (RB) is a position that has stars pop up from a variety of different places throughout college football.

Traditional RBs have also begun becoming replaceable with role players, like short-yard thumpers, or new-age pass catchers. 

RB Blake Watson, at 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, is perhaps a tad undersized but he’s a spark plug. Watson sported a 4.4(40-yard dash time) at his pro day and an impressive pair of legs on game film.

Background

Watson is a prospect who took advantage of the new transfer-portal rules.

After four seasons of hanging around at Old Dominion, he transferred to Memphis for his final season and a possible shot at the NFL Draft. Watching him with little talent around him at Old Dominion was troubling.

Watson is a three-year starter with three consecutive 1,000-plus all-purpose yard seasons. 

In his final year in Memphis, he romped for 192 carries for 1,152 yards (6.0-yard average) and 14 TDs. He added 53 catches for 480 yards and three TDs. 

The Yanish Report

Compact, low-center of mass, athletic RB-type build. Hard, patient runner with great field vision. Quick bursts of acceleration when he decides the next move. Endless SLASH-role possibilities can line up anywhere. Will outrun most, not all. Sticky hands. Doesn’t give up on running routes. Works well underneath zones, as a check-down. Not afraid to work pass-protection. Plays bigger than he is. Keeps legs churning after first contact. Consistent.

For the Win

The last time that I saw this kind of patience and field vision in a runner, I was watching former Pittsburgh Steeler running back Le’Veon Bell. Bell’s vision was legendary, at least there are shades of it watching Watson sprint all over the field. 

Watson is the brand of RB that is in line for 15-to-20 touches a game in the NFL. That should be enough to keep his slight frame in one piece and keep him off the injury report. 

He could be just what the doctor ordered in a weaponless backfield in Dallas. With weapons at wide receiver (WR) and tight end (TE), adding a back like Watson could keep a team like the Cowboys in the playoff picture. 

Or…

His experience and versatility could lend itself well to a developing quarterback, like in Carolina. Watson is a plug-and-play prospect who can help take the pressure off.

Watson’s speed and vision should grab some GM’s attention. Regardless, there are always some pleasant surprises among rookie RBs. This year, this is your guy. 

There is no reason that he should not be a day-two selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has what it takes to make it in the NFL.

He just needs the opportunity.

My BIG three questions

1. Can he pick up any hype before draft day? 
2. What will an upgrade in talent around him do for his game in the NFL?
3. Would splitting him out wide at WR benefit his style more?

My 2024 NFL Draft Value: Late Second-Round

2022 Game film evidence Old Dominion (Jersey No. 2)

Virginia Tech

Virginia

Coastal Carolina

2023 Game film evidence Memphis (Jersey No. 4)

UAB

Temple

Iowa State

William Yanish III is a lifelong football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.