Menelik Watson (Florida St.) - 2013 NFL Draft Pick #42 by OAK
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Menelik Watson - 2013 NFL Draft
Player Profile:
- Name: Menelik Watson
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- College: Florida State University
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 310 lbs
Strengths:
- Exceptional athleticism for his size, demonstrating quick footwork and agility.
- Powerful upper body strength, which allows him to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage.
- Good awareness and ability to read the game, showing promise in both run blocking and pass protection.
- Versatile player who can adapt to different offensive schemes.
- Experience playing in a competitive conference, giving him exposure to high-level competition.
Weaknesses:
- Limited experience as he was relatively new to football, having played basketball before transitioning to the sport.
- Technique needs refinement, particularly in hand placement and footwork.
- Inconsistent balance at times, which can lead to being off-balance against quicker defenders.
- May require time to develop into a fully polished player at the NFL level.
Overall Analysis:
Menelik Watson was viewed as a project player with significant upside due to his remarkable physical attributes and raw talent. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their offensive line. While he had areas that needed improvement, particularly in technique and consistency, scouts believed that with proper coaching and development, Watson could evolve into a starting-caliber offensive tackle in the NFL.
Projected Draft Position:
Menelik Watson was projected to be selected in the early to mid rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft, with some analysts suggesting he could go as high as the second round due to his potential and physical tools.