Terrell Watson, RB Azusa Pacific
Though the running back group for the Oakland Raiders has a ton of potential, the effort made to sign DeMarco Murray proves that the team is not opposed to trying to improve the group even still. That is exactly what they do with this pick by adding a bruising running back that reminds me of Michael Bush in Division II Azusa Pacific's Terrell Watson.
He is a 240lb running back who runs a 4.5 40 yard dash that has the strength and size combination that the Raiders could use behind Derek Carr in the backfield. Terrell Watson is a low risk, high reward player for a late round pick that could definitely prove to be an NFL worthy running back. He is a guy who has dominated everywhere he has played, though admittedly he did play against lesser competition in DIV II.
Watson owns pretty much every rushing record that Azusa Pacific has, which means more than you think considering the most famous alum of his alma mater is RB Christian Okoye. He rushed for 3,965 with 52 TD's over the past two seasons, even if it was against lesser competition that is still impressive. He can't help who got put in front of him though, and whoever was in his way he was eager to take on in dominating fashion.
Terrell Watson isn't a pick that fills a need, but that is less important towards the end of the draft anyway. Picks in the back end of the draft should concentrate on talented players that slipped through the holes no matter what the position because late round picks are always hit and miss anyway. Watson fits the bill in that category, downgraded because of his competition and lack of secondary burst that the NFL scouts are looking for.
Before his MVP performance in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Terrell Watson was seen as a priority signing undrafted free agent prospect. However, his 9 carry, 55 yard performance with a TD earned him the MVP of the game and sent his draft stock up to him being a possible 3rd day selection. I believe his talent shows on tape and that he deserves to be drafted, and I also believe he is worth an earlier investment than a final round pick to insure getting him into camp.
Azusa Pacific's Offensive Line Coach is none other than Hall of Fame OL Jackie Slater, the same one that blocked for Walter Payton in college for 3 years and Eric Dickerson for 5 years in the NFL. He knows a thing or two about what it takes to play running back in the NFL and he sees plenty of NFL potential in Terrell Watson.
"He has a blend of power and explosiveness that makes him a real sleek and dynamic back," Slater told LA Times writer Mike DiGiovanna. "He's rugged. He's elusive if he has to be, unless he's going to compromise yards. Then he will run you over."
I am sold on Terrell Watson, watch this YouTube video for more proof of why he is worthy of the 6th round selection in our Silver & Black Pride staff mock draft.
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