Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

John Watson () - 1971 NFL Draft Pick #179 by SF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for John Watson - 1971 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: John Watson
• Position: Running Back
• College: University of Southern California

Overview:

John Watson was considered one of the most dynamic running backs in college football leading up to the 1971 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, agility, and vision made him a standout performer during his collegiate career.

Strengths:

• Speed: Watson showcased exceptional breakaway speed, often turning short gains into long touchdowns.
• Agility: His ability to change direction quickly allowed him to evade defenders and make big plays.
• Vision: Watson demonstrated great field awareness, enabling him to find and exploit holes in opposing defenses.
• Pass-catching: He was not only a threat on the ground but also effective in the passing game, making him a versatile weapon.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At 5'10" and around 190 lbs, some scouts questioned whether he could handle the physicality of the NFL.
• Injury History: Previous injuries raised concerns about his durability over a full NFL season.

Projected Draft Position:

John Watson was projected to be selected in the 2nd or 3rd round of the 1971 NFL Draft, depending on team needs and preferences for running backs. His impressive college stats and performance in workouts would likely influence his final draft position.

Conclusion:

John Watson was viewed as a promising talent with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Teams looking for a playmaker in the backfield would be wise to consider him early in the draft.