Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Chris Watson (East. Illinois) - 1999 NFL Draft Pick #67 by DEN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Chris Watson - 1999 NFL Draft

College: Eastern Illinois University
Position: Cornerback

Overview:

Chris Watson was a standout cornerback at Eastern Illinois, known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability. As a key defensive player, he showcased skills that made him a coveted prospect heading into the 1999 NFL Draft.

Strengths:

• Speed: Watson possessed excellent straight-line speed, allowing him to keep up with faster wide receivers.
• Agility: His quick footwork and agility helped him change directions effectively, making him a tough matchup for opposing players.
• Ball Skills: Demonstrated strong hands and an ability to track the ball, resulting in several interceptions during his college career.
• Physicality: Although smaller in stature, Watson was not afraid to engage in tackles and was effective in run support.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At 5'10", Watson was considered undersized for an NFL cornerback, which raised concerns about his ability to handle larger receivers.
• Consistency: While he had flashes of brilliance, there were games where he struggled to maintain his performance level.
• Experience: Coming from a smaller program, there were questions about how well he would adapt to the higher level of competition in the NFL.

Projected Draft Round:

Based on his performances and skills, Chris Watson was projected to be selected in the late rounds of the 1999 NFL Draft, with potential as a valuable depth player and special teams contributor.

Conclusion:

Chris Watson's combination of speed, agility, and playmaking ability made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary. While concerns about his size and consistency existed, his potential to develop into a solid cornerback was evident.