Will the Indianapolis Colts have to trade up in order to get Christian Watson? Is the talented prospect worth it?
Early on in the Draft process, glaring needs have been identified for the Indianapolis Colts. Out of those needs, the most important seems to be getting wide receiver help.
In 2021, Michael Pittman Jr. carried the load at pass catcher for the Colts. He had 1,082 receiving yards with every other pass catcher for Indy finishing with less than 400 yards receiving. This means Indianapolis should look to the Draft to fix their situation at wide receiver.
With all that being said, Indy does not have a first-round pick in this year’s Draft. This means that they are at the mercy of the teams before them in the Draft. Many experts have stated that the best possible fit for the Colts at pick No. 42 would be NDSU wideout, Christian Watson. The major question is, will he even be there at 42?
Frank Reich would have a blast scheming up plays for Christian Watson. Freak athlete opposite Michael Pittman Jr. at No. 42 overall? #Colts pic.twitter.com/mBoHgIqEep
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) March 10, 2022
Will Christian Watson make it to the Colts?
Christian Watson is a star wide receiver and could be a huge addition to the Indianapolis wide receiver room. Last year at NDSU he racked in 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He’s 6-foot-5 with a 4.36 40-yard dash.
Many NFL mock drafts have Watson going at different places. NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson has Christian Watson being taken at 38 by the Jets, four picks before Indy.
If the Colts believe he is the guy to have beside Michael Pittman Jr., they may have to move up in order to lock him up.
In my opinion, Indy shouldn’t be looking to trade up in the draft to get Christian Watson. This has nothing to do with Watson’s talent but more to do with the number of talented wideouts in this Draft class. There will be other guys available at pick 42.
Some possible alternatives at wideout could be George Pickens from Georgia, Jahan Dotson from Penn State, and Skyy Moore from Western Michigan. All three alternatives would be good additions to the Indianapolis offense.
Looking back at past drafts since Chris Ballard has taken over as GM, it is highly unlikely to think the Colts will make any trade to move up in the draft. If anything, Indianapolis is more prone to trading back and acquiring more picks.
It is still very likely that Christian Watson will be there when the Colts are on the clock, but if he’s not, I wouldn’t expect the Colts to move up to get him.
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