Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson is one of the most polarizing players heading into this fantasy football season. It begs the question — should you draft the talented second-year WR on draft day? Let’s take a closer look.
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Christian Watson’s Fantasy Outlook for the 2023 NFL Season
Watson enjoyed a mini-breakout the back half of his rookie season. Over the final eight games of the season, Watson posted three 100-yard receiving performances while scoring seven TDs during that span.
Those may not seem like earth-shattering numbers. But when you compare them to his 10 receptions with no scores through the first nine games of the season, then most would say Watson finished the season on a high note.
Unfortunately, Aaron Rodgers is no longer his QB, which means we have to project Watson’s sophomore season with a brand new QB in Jordan Love.
And while we haven’t had a chance to see a whole lot of Love in live game action during his young NFL career, he certainly showcased an early chemistry with Watson during his brief appearance against the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
Jordan Love. Christian Watson. One-possession game in Philly 👀
📺: #GBvsPHI on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/FRZHlv4OoL pic.twitter.com/TxLDZCPdkw— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2022
Someone is going to emerge as Love’s top option in this passing attack.
Watson’s athletic profile as a deep threat, explosive playmaker after the catch and usage over the back half of last season make him the best bet to emerge as Love’s top option in 2023.
Is Watson a Good Fantasy Pick?
This may not be a popular take, but Watson has one of the highest ceilings of any WR in the NFL. His athletic profile is truly elite, and that athleticism translated to the field in his rookie season.
Watson overcame some adversity early in the season after dropping potential TDs and falling out of favor with Aaron Rodgers.
But when it finally came together for Watson, he took off.
He may not be as polished or accomplished as some of the other WRs going ahead of him in fantasy drafts. Nonetheless, few WRs in the league have his fantasy ceiling in the fifth round.
His floor may not be quite as secure some would like. However, if you are looking for a WR2/3 who should see enough weekly volume to be a reliable fantasy starter in your lineup but possesses legit top-10 fantasy WR potential if it all comes together, then Watson should be someone you target in the middle rounds of your draft.
- PFN Consensus Rankings: 53rd overall
- ADP: 56th overall