Dekoda Watson “Will Be A Factor”

April 30th, 2010

Joe has already written this: Joe believes the pick of Florida State linebacker Dekoda Watson just may be the Sammie Stroughter-like steal of the 2010 draft.

Florida State’s defense has largely had pathetic coaching since former linebackers/assistant head coach Kevin Steele left for Alabama after Watson’s freshman year. Longtime fixture at defensive coordinator, Mickey Andrews, had understandably lost the fire after his son’s suicide (the details were pretty spooky) and had to be coaxed out of retiring twice by FSU icon Bobby Bowden. Chucky the Chest Amato sucked.

So given that Watson hadn’t been coached up, despite his obvious talents, Joe believes Watson could be polished into a productive NFL player, especially on special teams.

Seems as though NFL.com’s Pat Kirwan is of the same mindset. Kirwan broke down the Bucs draft and singled out Watson as one to watch.

Tampa Bay —  After getting rid of both coordinators last year, the Bucs finally settled down and played decent football. Raheem Morris returned the defense to the Monte Kiffin package and went out in this draft and double downed on defensive tackles Gerald McCoy (first round) and Brian Price (second round). There will be some real quickness upfront with those two on board. Second-round WR Arrelious Benn is a fine blocker, as well as receiver, and he may be good enough to crack the lineup this year. Seventh-round LB Dekoda Watson will be a factor on special teams.

Bucs general manager turned rock star Mark Dominik has for months preached about last week’s draft. In four years it will be fair to grade the draft, though grading drafts hours after their completion is good fun.

If Watson does become a good player, it is moves like this late in the draft that can earn it a high grade.

4 Responses to “Dekoda Watson “Will Be A Factor””

  1. big007hed Says:

    A lot of ppl are saying how good Watson is, why did he last so long then? I hope we do get another Stroughter type steal with him….

  2. sunrisejeff Says:

    Not sure big007……a lot of the “experts” felt he would go no later than the 4th round.

  3. Vince Says:

    What did I say after he was drafted. This guy is severely underrated and was disgustingly undercoached. You have a linebacker that is solid as a rock at 240lbs and hasn’t even started an NFL strength program yet. Not to mention he is extremely fast for a linebacker his size. Give him some proper coaching and he’ll definitely be a factor.

  4. Greg Says:

    Didn’t our linebacker coach just leave for USC??? So much for good coaching since I haven’t heard Joe Barry has been replaced yet.