Armon Watts, DL
School: Arkansas | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 300 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd-6th Round
NFL Comparison: Shamar Stephen
College Statistics
Player Overview
“One of the bright spots on the Arkansas defense” is probably the best way to sum up Armon Watts’ 2018 season. The Razorbacks were an absolutely brutal 2-10 (0-8 in the SEC) last year, and there weren’t a lot of things to like about their season, but Watts was certainly one of them. Watts was a 3-star recruit from St. Louis, and was a bit of a late bloomer, not making much noise until his senior year. Given the opportunity to start in 2018, however, he took advantage of the role and led Arkansas with 7 sacks and three forced fumbles. What really caught my attention was - while researching picks for an SB Nation Fan Mock - coming across a quote by draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah mentioning Watts in the same breath as guys being discussed as first round picks: “When you look at tiers, in the first-round tier, Quinnen Williams, Christian Wilkins, Ed Oliver, Rashan Gary, who I think is more of an edge guy, Jeffery Simmons, and [Dexter] Lawrence could factor in there in the late 20s,” Jeremiah said. “Then, you get into that next tier for me, you start getting to Jerry Tillery from Notre Dame. I really like Armon Watts from Arkansas, who is just a real strong-handed guy and solid on tape.”
Strengths
- Quick once he gets going
- Great leverage, stays low
- “Eye popping” strength
- Very good hand usage
- Good ability to read schemes and react
- Strong tackler
- Praiseworthy work ethic
- Excellent size for an interior lineman
Weaknesses
- Lack of explosiveness
- Slow to change direction
- Limited range
- Average athlete
Let’s see his work
How He Would Fit On The Redskins
Potentially a Tim Settle-like mid to late-round steal, Watts is a perfect Jim Tomsula project to continue to feed the Redskins’ DL pipeline for years to come. If we could get this guy with one of our 5th rounders, I’d take it in a heartbeat. While he doesn’t possess the athleticism or burst of guys who will be going in the first round, he’s solidly among the players who make this one of the deepest drafts for defensive linemen in recent memory. By several accounts, Watts is strong as an ox, and was regularly able to have his way with offensive lineman one on one. Given that Watts didn’t have significant playing time until his senior season, there’s still lots of tread left on the tires, and likely considerable room to grow and develop. My sense is, his best days are still ahead of him. While DL is currently the position group of greatest strength for the Redskins, it will take the continued, annual or bi-annual drafting of guys like Settle and Watts to keep it that way.
Poll
Where would you like to see Armon Watts drafted?
This poll is closed
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3%
I could go as high as our late third rounder.
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52%
I’d take him in the fifth.
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28%
I wouldn’t pursue him until the 6th.
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6%
He’s a solid 7th rounder.
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4%
I think he’s an UDFA
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4%
I’m not interested.