Derek Watt is the younger brother of Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt, and while he followed in his older brother’s footsteps to Wisconsin, Derek elected to play fullback for the Badgers. With the versatility to play fullback or H-Back, Derek makes the case as a role player in a multiple RB set. Derek seals blocks well and picks up pass protection with ease. He has also displayed decent hands out of the backfield with 30 receptions for 309 yards and a 1 over his 4 years at Madison. Watt also is a guy not afraid to cut his teeth on special teams as he had 17 total tackles for the Badgers. One of the higher rated fullbacks, Watt will get a late round flyer or be a priority free agent for a team needing a fullback in 2016.
Derek heard his name called in the 6th round by the San Diego Chargers where he is expected to rejoin backfield mate Mevin Gordon from Wisconsin as his blocking back.
Paul Perkins was considered the most consistent, if not the most complete runningback to come out of the PAC 12 in 2016. The UCLA back had 1,374 yards in 2014, and led the PAC 12 with 1,575 yards in 2015. A slasher back with elite vision and one cut ability, the lean Perkins will be expected to contribute as an extra receiver on 3rd down, but durability will be a question as he will need to commit to take on blocking larger blitzing linebackers to become an every down back. Regardless Paul has college highlight worthy film with his elusiveness and ankle-breaking cuts. He’s expected to work in a committee backfield while he bulks up to the rigors of the 16 game NFL schedule and is a strong 3rd round pick.
The Giants selected Paul during the 5th round of the 2016 draft. He will make an interesting utility back for offensive maestro and new head coach Ben McAdoo.
Although scouts are not in love with Cody Kessler’s size or physical attributes, he had an impressive resume playing at USC for the Trojans. A 3 year starter who earned Pac 10 Honorable Mention in all 3 years, he finished his college career with 10,339 yards with 88 touchdowns to only 19 interceptions in a pro style offense. What’s even more impressive is that Cody played for 5 coaches over that tenure. The knock on Kessler is that he is almost too comfortable taking the 2 or 3 yard dunk, rather than taking a shot downfield, and scouts did not like his downfield touch. While scouts mention that Kessler reminds them much of Aaron Murray, his tape really reminds me of Matt Schaub, right after he returned from his Lins Franc injury, (before teams full caught on to his read progression). Kessler is tabbed as a 5-6th round pick that I’d love to see the Texans make a move for and select in the 2016 draft.
Wow. This was an absolute stunning surprise. The Cleveland Browns (where all quarterbacks go to die) selected Cody with their supplemental 3rd round pick at the back end of round 3. He is expected to compete with RGIII for the starting job.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
Card: Sage 2016
