2022-23 NFL Rookies to Watch: Christian Watson to Capitalize on Opportunity in Green Bay

The Green Bay Packers have been endlessly criticized for failing to address the wide receiver position in the NFL Draft and complement four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers with impact pass-catchers to target.

Enter Christian Watson, the 34th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft from the North Dakota State Bison.

Even with his modest collegiate production in a FCS program over the past four seasons, Watson has an immediate opportunity to earn a starting job in the Green Bay offense, and he provides the plus-athleticism to be a Week 1 contributor for the Packers. 

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While he’s still a raw prospect, Green Bay moved on from No. 1 wideout Davante Adams and speedster Marquez Valdes-Scantling this offseason, so there are a pile of Rodgers’ looks up for grabs in 2022. 

Adams and Valdes-Scantling combined for 224 targets last year, after all. 

Veteran receivers Allen Lazard, the oft-injured Sammy Watkins and Packers-retread Randall Cobb are Watson’s top competition for targets, so it definitely isn’t a who’s who of Canton hopefuls.

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Where Watson should separate himself from his peers and emerge in the passing attack is as a deep threat. 

He ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the combine, and also flaunts a 6-foot-4, 208-pound frame that should make him difficult to cover downfield.

As long as Watson can click with Rodgers, there’s huge potential for the rookie receiver to take advantage of his opportunity and sail past his current 615.5 receiving yards prop at Caesars Sportsbook.

Put differently, Watson needs just north of 36 receiving yards per contest across the 17-game schedule for the over to hit.

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