Niners stud and duds

[Schultz]

Watson does have a problem hanging on to the football. That will change though as he gains experience. If you watch, you'll see his hands aren't always in the right position to make the catches. That comes through coaching, and repetition. What he does do, and it's essential, is find ways to gain a step on defenders quite frequently, and that's something you either have, or don't have, based on speed, and ability to rotate your hips to change direction. When he solves the hands problem, he's going to be a load to contend with.

It's a lot like teaching a kid to play outfield in baseball. It's a matter of training yourself to have your hands and body properly positioned to make the catch. Judging trajectory is a key element, just like it is to a QB, when he throws the ball.

Until then, with the array of receiving talent we have on the roster, I'm not going to be too worried. I do think if it becomes a do or die situation for the team, Watson will more than likely make that catch, and if it's thrown to someone else, I hope it's Doubs, because he has the hands and body control to make it happen. He was injured on Sunday because he puts the catch first, and his body second. A lesser player would have protected himself, and forgotten about the importance of the catch, if possible.

I just hope Watson figures it out before they have to make a decision on him or he will be a load to contend with on some other team.

 

[Schultz]

This is not entirely new with Watson either. Yes, it was technically his first drop of this season, but he had 4 or so in each of the last couple of seasons as well. And that is not a crazy high number, but for his target volume/usage it is a decent percentage. Not awful, but not "elite" either IMO.

If you go back and read some of his pre-draft profiles you will see some similar concerns too.

Lance Zierlein for NFL.com:

Pro Football Network:

NFL Draft Buzz:

Sports Illustrated:

NFL Mocks.com:

Yahoo:

APC:

And from Watson himself, when asked what he was working to improve on upon moving to the NFL:


So it is what it is. Frustrating, but IMO still a guy who is worth giving those targets to. He just forces defenses to keep honest in ways that others can't. I'd like to see that further ironed out (and it does seem like...at least to some degree he is showing improvement there), but I think to some extent it's probably always going to exist as a flaw in his game.

Personally, I will never forget the 1st pass ever thrown to him as a Packer.

 

[Schultz]

No doubt about it, Watson needs time to develop his full potential. When you look at that catch count, it's staggering thinking he's that relatively inexperienced at actually catching passes. This is one of those little things that fans don't see, and don't understand. It takes time to become "football savvy."

So, what you guys are saying is that they traded up for a project at WR, who, when he finally puts it all together in his 2nd contract just might be with another team?

 

[DoURant]

I just hope Watson figures it out before they have to make a decision on him or he will be a load to contend with on some other team.

I like Watson, he brings a lot to the offense in more ways than receiving, which is why I hope they re-sign him to a 2nd contract.
One thing I feel he needs to improve on is that instead of just going up and attacking the ball, he focuses more on trying to draw a flag. He doesn't do it all the time, but he does seem do it on a consistent basis.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

So, what you guys are saying is that they traded up for a project at WR, who, when he finally puts it all together in his 2nd contract just might be with another team?

I think Watson is going to go 1 of 2 ways. By this time next year, barring injuries, he will be much surer handed and they sign him to a decent second contract. A bit like Davante Adams first 4 years in GB.

Otherwise, he will be another MVS. A guy with a lot of promise, but not consistent enough to hand out a second contract to.

His injury situation will also factor into his next deal. Even if he starts catching the ball better, if he can't stay healthy, they may pass on another contract.

 

[lambeaulambo]

The other thing is that few players have the ability to flat outrun the secondary. How many 40+ passes has Doubs caught? Each Receiver had their weaknesses and strengths. I’m not sure I’m going to convict a guy who just led the league in per catch (37.5) and stacked 150 yards the prior week. Big deal he dropped a pass who cares. Kittle dropped one that was much shorter. Doubs dropped a short crosser that was probably similar difficulty. Just about cost us an INT.
Watson has caught 59% of everything thrown his way and some of those he had near zero chance as they were poorly thrown. Watson’s average is 5 yards per catch higher and his per target is 2.2 yards farther. Yet he’s still within 5% catch rate of Doubs 64.2%

Watson average long? 67 yards
Doubs average long? 35 yards

Every 100 Targets average
Paddlehands Watson 1,138 yards
Old Mr Reliable Doubs 912 yards

Seems to me I’d be targeting Watson more, not less.

hey that paddlehands reference belongs to me!! lol Jermikes ghost