The ultimate Chicago Bears 2022 NFL Draft rankings and guide
By Ryan Olson
Chicago Bears Big Board No. 4: Christian Watson, Wide Receiver, NDSU
Projected Late First/Early Second
Target for the Bears at Pick(s): 39
Christian Watson is an incredible athlete. He stands in at 6’4″ with blazing fast speed, where he ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the Combine. Watson is the best athlete in the draft by far when you take the height and speed into account.
Watson is a great contested catch receiver as he is always gonna be able to haul in the 50/50 balls. Watson is also a very underrated route runner, especially for his size. You can tell Watson has a very good feel for the game the way he adds nuances to his routes and adjusts them. He also gets the job done after the catch as he is a plus after the catch type of guy, meaning that he is above average with the ball in his hands.
Some concerns are his drop problems which in my opinion I think will iron out as he matures as a player. His college scheme was very run-heavy so he never really got much rhythm as a pass-catcher. I have little doubt that his drops will not be the thing that hurts him in the long run.
One of my concerns about Watson is how well he will fit with the Bears and Justin Fields, as Watson is not particularly great at running quick short routes, and on intermediate to deep routes is where he shines the brightest. However, when you pair the size, speed, route running, and potential, I think it is well worth the risk to draft Watson as he has legit superstar receiver potential.