Rookie Profile: Blake Watson, Running Back, Denver Broncos
Welcome to the Rookie Profile: Blake Watson was a 2-star prospect who graduated from Green Hope High School in Cary, North Carolina. He initially committed to Old Dominion in July 2017 and played for them for most of his college career. However, at the end of the 2022 season, he transferred to Memphis.
Although he did not play during his freshman year, in 2019, he averaged 4.6 yards per carry on 25 attempts.
During his redshirted sophomore season, he had a breakout year, amassing 1,112 yards with an average of 5.2 yards per carry.
In his third season of playing, he saw limited opportunities, yet he still managed to gain over 1,000 all-purpose yards. He showcased his receiving abilities with 37 receptions for 314 yards.
In his final year of college football, he sported a new Memphis Tigers uniform and was eager to make an impact. During his one season with the team, he achieved a career-high 6.0 yards per carry on 192 attempts. Not only that, but he also had a record-breaking 53 receptions for 480 yards. Additionally, he scored a total of 17 touchdowns, which was almost double his previous career-high of 9 touchdowns during his sophomore season.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Undrafted Free Agent Signing
- Watson went undrafted and I believe that is because he was not invited to the NFL Combine.
- Make no mistake, especially with this landing spot, Blake Watson is a running back you want on your radars.
Landing Spot- Denver Broncos
- The Broncos backfield is crowded, but Watson is a dual-threat type of back who can be plugged in wherever the team needs him to be.
- Even as a UDFA, I do expect Watson to carve out some sort of role with the Broncos potentially leading him to be the checkdown back for new quarterback Bo Nix.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Third-Down Back
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
We will need to see what the Broncos have planned for returning backs Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin before understanding the fantasy impact Watson will have. But the impact he could have if he gets the opportunity is an every-down type of runner that brings efficiency with some burst. Watson is versatile enough to play the three-down role or be the pass-catching/change-of-pace role too. He will get receptions and yards after those receptions. His initial impact might be minimal considering the Broncos may give the initial snaps to their vets.
I am drafting Blake Watson, honestly one can probably pick him up off waivers post draft too. On film Watson excelled in multiple categories showing he can be an NFL type of running back. Draft him, stash him, await his glory.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
