Good Vibes For Justin Watson
August 20th, 2018
Impressing his coach.
So far Bucs coach Dirk Koetter has done a good job keeping a poker face about guys on the bubble and their projected status when NFL teams have to shave their rosters down to 53 by Sept. 1 at 4 p.m.
As Joe has pointed out many times, the battle for the wide receiver gigs is fascinating. The Bucs are so deep there someone with talent is going to lose a numbers game.
Saturday night, rookie wide receiver Justin Watson had a fine game and his end-zone catch of a pitch from America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, was fantastic. Watson, a fifth-round pick, looked like a combination of sure-hands Adam Humphries with the sweet feet of Mike Evans in hauling the ball in and staying inbounds.
Yesterday in his day-after presser, Koetter didn’t say Watson will be on the September roster, but it didn’t take a detective to figure out it Koetter is inclined to keep Watson.
“He’s had some really good days and some not-so-good days,” Koetter said. “Love the way he works at it. He’s playing hard on special teams. That’s another – when you’re not in those first two or three [on the depth chart], you’ve got to play on special teams as well. That’s just the way it goes. He’s definitely making strides there as well. …
“Anybody that’s out there, anybody that’s here still and playing and having that kind of production, of course. If a guy is good enough, we’ll find a spot for them.”
Joe fears Watson, or some other deserving wide receiver, will get left out in the cold.
The Bucs are banged up at offensive line and cornerback. Might Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht and Koetter keep an extra offensive lineman and/or an extra corner as a result? If so, that means possibly the Bucs will keep one fewer receiver than expected, which means some receiver will get the short end of the stick.
August 20th, 2018 at 8:14 am
Evans, Jackson, Godwin, Humphries, Watson
Martino, Reedy, Wilson, Bailey
Yes….no matter what…we will be cutting a good receiver.
August 20th, 2018 at 8:15 am
Maybe 3 or 4 of them…
August 20th, 2018 at 8:19 am
Got to keep Watson. He has a great future in this league.
August 20th, 2018 at 8:21 am
It is no secret that America’s QB loves tall receivers, dating back to his time with America’s University. He tends to fire high with some of his passes so a lengthy receiver that can go and get it will always stick out. Watson is a smart guy that works hard and won’t get in trouble off of the field, he will make the roster barring a freak injury. I’ve also liked what i’ve seen from Bailey in the preseason but unfortunately there is too much talent in the WR room at the moment. Go Bucs!
August 20th, 2018 at 8:24 am
I’d get rid of Martino, Reedy, and Wilson personally. We have all seen the ceiling for martino and reedy and they would continue to be practice squad type players. Bobo inability to listen to coaches will continue to haunt him. Watson has more upside than any of the other 3.
August 20th, 2018 at 8:36 am
Bobo spent all last year on our practice squad and no one tried to sign him, mark my words if we cut Watson he will be picked up by someone. We have to keep him.
August 20th, 2018 at 8:57 am
You cant teach size
This kid will be pickedup within seconds
Wouldnt doubt GMSs (Jon Robinson) trade for him before he goes thru the waiver wire
August 20th, 2018 at 9:02 am
Watson has upside. Bobo has unique speed. Reedy and Martino are JAGS. Bob has a higher likelihood of making it to the practice squad or he’ll go on IR.
Good problems to have.
August 20th, 2018 at 9:04 am
Evans, DJax, Godwin, Humphries, Watson, Wilson
Bailey to the practice squad. Actually Bailey might need to get “injured” before final cutdowns so we can redshirt him on IR and protect our rights to him for next year. Either that or shut him down now so he doesn’t put anymore big plays on tape and could hopefully be slipped onto the practice squad.
August 20th, 2018 at 9:43 am
Reedy can’t catch, Wilson is hurt, Martino isn’t worth toilet paper, bailey can’t do 2 things at once
August 20th, 2018 at 10:01 am
I think Koetter or Licht would fools if they tried to place Justin Watson on the practice squad. He would get scooped up in a hurry. He has prototype size and speed to go along with great hands and good route running.
August 20th, 2018 at 10:10 am
Ivy Leaguers, baby!
August 20th, 2018 at 10:16 am
I see both Watson and Bailey making the cut, with Wilson going to IR or practice squad. Reedy and Martino get cut most likely (unless there’s another injury).
August 20th, 2018 at 10:32 am
Love for us to keep 6 and keep Bobo and Watson, but I would keep Watson if we could only take 5
August 20th, 2018 at 10:40 am
Reedy is the best punt returner we’ve had in years…
August 20th, 2018 at 11:14 am
^^^^
No that would be DJax. He and Humphries are already on the team – So Reedy’s only chance to make the 53 is via killing it as a receiver which has yet to happen and likely never will.
Watson, Bobo and Martinez all have a realistic chance of making the 53. 2 of those 3 WILL make it if 6 receivers are kept which is likely the case (initially). Reedy does not have a chance IMO.
Unless he screws up royally or gets injured – Watson has already made the team I believe. The last spot (if there is one) comes down to Bobo and Freddie. If Bobo gets healthy and shows well in at least 1 game prior to cutdown – he will likely get the nod.
August 20th, 2018 at 11:47 am
I have been so impressed with Baily. I really don’t want to see him go. And I remember watching Watson’s film after we got him and his strength and hands are of a freak of nature. 40″ vertical, gigantic wingspan, gigantic speed, gigantic hands. Jurevicious Jr.
August 20th, 2018 at 12:04 pm
Watson will stick. I hope Sergio does too. Dude makes plays and has some swagger.
August 20th, 2018 at 12:11 pm
Don’t keep reedy just for returns. Put shad back and keep Watson. Watson is a NO brainer…. after that toe tap. Beautiful
August 20th, 2018 at 12:24 pm
Stop with the Jurevicius comparisons, please! There are very few similarities between Watson and Jurevicius. Watson is 6’3 215 with sub 4.5 speed and excellent athleticism, Jurevicius was 6’5 230 and barely ran under a 4.7. if you want to compare Watson to somebody, look at guys like TO, Demetrius Thomas, or even our own Chris Godwin.
August 20th, 2018 at 12:27 pm
WATSON! Keeper for sure. Bailey next best.
August 20th, 2018 at 12:40 pm
Joe, check who made the tackles on kickoffs. My brother told me 2 by Watson.
I also listen to Lombardi’s podcast. He says to check who’s on the punt team (protection)and that will tell you who is going to make the roster.
I have no idea, I don’t watch preseason football. It’s as useless as underwear football.
August 20th, 2018 at 12:46 pm
Watson will stick, another smart Ivy League player who is making an impact. No way he clears waivers.
That 6th receiver is the bubble: Reedy, Martino or Wilson.
August 20th, 2018 at 12:47 pm
(Edit) Add Baily to the “bubble” list above, and I would not be surprised if he is the guy. He has looked smooth and confident, like a veteran.
August 20th, 2018 at 12:53 pm
Watson and Bailey look like front runners
August 20th, 2018 at 1:20 pm
Evans, Jackson, Godwin, Humphries, Watson & BoBo.
August 20th, 2018 at 2:14 pm
Whoever gets cut, there are 31 other teams checking their waiver wires. He will get picked up. Can’t believe I’m writing this about the Bucs. Sho feels good!!
August 20th, 2018 at 7:20 pm
Ready for this? HOW ABOUT A SWITCH TO CORNER? Just had to get that wacky idea out of my head. But if it happened, you heard it here.
August 20th, 2018 at 7:37 pm
Agree bucs are not deep at corner, hoping MJ Stewart can shine and Grimes can stay healthy. Really want to see Watson on the 53 though…I’ll give you a topic: CONVERT WATSON TO CORNER… Talk amongst yourselves, discuss. OK, now that I got that out…