Could Justin Watson Be The Odd Man Out?

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The former All-Ivy League standout, Justin Watson, was a 5th round selection (144th overall) out of the University of Pennsylvania in 2018. During the 2018 off-season there were moderately high hopes for Watson’s future in Tampa Bay. Yet it still hasn’t come to fruition.

Over the 12 games Watson appeared in last season, he only saw 3 total targets in 3 games. His lone reception for 5 yards came during a loss in Cincinnati. Also throughout the entirety of the 2018 season, he was only on the field 6.55% of the time or just 73 snaps. Only Bobo Wilson (69 snaps) and Freddie Martino (24 snaps) had less snaps than any other wideout. Even seldom used TE Alan Cross had more snaps (102), targets (21) and receptions (13 yards) than Watson.

What Do We Know For Sure? 

The Bucs have typically gone with 5 receivers come game day, and with that said Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Breshad Perriman are all locks to make this roster. If the team in fact only keep 5 wideouts, it will leave three players to battle it out for the last two spots. Those three would be Justin Watson, rookie Scott Miller, and Bobo Wilson.

In this scenario let’s slate Miller to lock up the 4th spot. Especially given his quick integration into the one’s during minicamp and high praise from the team so far. If he secures a roster spot and fills the void left by Adam Humphries, it could end up being a steal for the Bucs.

This leaves the last spot going to Watson or Wilson. While Wilson has performed well and received some praise from the team, not much has been seen or heard from Watson. While it is still early in the off-season, but it’s not too far-fetched to think Watson could sink down the depth chart. Especially given the emergence of players like Miller, there is a chance Watson could end up being the odd man out come Week 1.

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