Biggest risers from the 2022 college all-star events:

North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson

WR Christian Watson, North Dakota State

Unlike the receiver we just talked about, physical traits weren’t really in question for this height-weight-speed prospect from the FCS, who once was barely recruited, but ended up clearly being the primary pass-catcher for the National champs in his two full seasons with the Bisons. Taking their one showcase game they actually had in 2020 out of the equation, over that two-year stretch, Watson combined for 77 grabs worth 1532 yards and 13 touchdowns, along with 28 carries for 276 more yards and two extra TDs.

Coming in at 6’4”, 210 pounds and reportedly running the 40 in the high 4.4s to low 4.5s, Watson's refinement at the position gives an indication of how his game would translate against top-tier competition. Well, I think it’s safe to say that those questions have been answered. He had a couple of V-release slants against inside shades that would be impressive for sub-six-foot receivers, but the difference with him is that he actually has the strength to fight through contact and gain the leverage needed for a ball to be fit into him. You never saw him tilt at all to give away his routes. It didn’t look like he needed a runway to build up his speed and he carried it through for fluid breaks.

Despite being able to “reduce” his size well, he also knew when to make use of his strength, using little chicken wings to create some separation at the end of his routes. He did so on an in-breaker on day one and then a deep comeback on the second day in an advanced fashion. And then once the ball was in his possession, he knew how to approach it. He made an easy-looking grab on a back-shoulder fade against Ouachita Baptist’s Gregory Junior, putting a hand on his back and twisting around late. We also saw him go up and snatch balls out of the air on goal-line routes (mostly versus air), and he also showed good focus to haul in some off-target throws.

Watson only caught one pass in the actual game (at the end of the first quarter) , but you saw the natural power, to just toss a big corner in Sam Houston State’s Zyon McCollum to the ground and haul in the pass for 38 yards. That came after already being voted National WR of the week. I listened to Connor Rogers’ conversation with Trevor Sikkema on one of the PFF shows, where he said that, if you put an Ohio State or Alabama helmet on Watson, he might be a top-50 pick – and I wouldn’t rule out that that’s where he’ll end up coming off the board.