Danny Watkins Scouting Report

Prior to 2007 Danny Watkins played no organized football. In high school the Canadian played hockey and rugby. It was not until he went to Butte College in California that the 6-4, 310 pound part-time firefighter started playing football. After two years at the junior college level, Watkins was considered one of the better offensive linemen coming out of the junior college ranks in 2009. Baylor did not expect him to immediately replace left tackle Jason Smith, but he did a surprisingly good job during his first year in Waco, Texas. Despite his lack of experience, Watkins started all 12 games at left tackle and was ready to help lead Baylor to big things in 2010.

Quarterback Robert Griffin has garnered most of the attention on offense this season, but it has been the play of Watkins that allowed the Baylor offense to flourish. Watkins has done a superb job protecting Griffin's blindside and a solid job paving the way for running back Jay Finley. The result for the Bears is an end to the 16 year bowl drought.

Watkins is finally getting the credit he deserves for taking Baylor to the postseason. Obviously his lack of experience is an issue heading into the NFL, but it is also a good thing. Watkins will only get better with time. However, many NFL teams will look at Watkins and think time is something the 26 year old does not have. Either way, Watkins is a smart player who should be off the board by the end of the third round.

4/6 Update: Like his Baylor teammate Phil Taylor, Watkins is a hot commodity heading into the draft. His lack of experience and age will remain a major concern, but Watkins has shown that he has all the athleticism and strength needed to be a superb offensive guard in the NFL. He is widely considered a late first or second round prospect and the fact that he has the maturity to play right away is an attractive option to some NFL teams.