Could The Atlanta Falcons Draft Sammy Watkins?

Nov 17, 2012; Charleston, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the NC State Wolfpack at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Consider this scenario.  Atlanta shores up the offensive line via free agency, and Jadeveon Clowney is off the board.  The Falcons are sitting at No.6, and don’t exactly want to spend a top 10 pick on one of the OLB pass rushers in Khalil Mack or Anthony Barr.  With Julio Jones coming off a season-ending injury, an aging Roddy White, and Harry Douglas nearing 30, Thomas Dimitroff could once again add a big name to one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL.

Before you crucify me, let it be known that this class is arguably the deepest in draft history.  This means a 2nd rounder will hold the same value as a 1st in most other drafts.  With this class, Dimitroff can still fill some of the defense’s holes with a later pick, and it still be of great value.  Players such as Dee Ford, Jeremiah Attouchu, and Trent Murphy may still be available at Atlanta’s 2nd pick, and would be instant starters on a Falcons defense desperately needing a pass rush.

But back to Watkins.

Watkins is the clear-cut top wide receiver in this year’s draft.  With mind-blowing speed and impeccable hands, Sammy would immediately be the No.2 receiver on the Falcons’ offense.  Imagine, Julio, Watkins, Roddy in the slot, and Harry coming in on 4 wideout sets.  Since Tony Gonzalez is retiring, Matt Ryan will be losing someone who produces nearly 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns annually.  Taking Watkins would help fill the void left by Gonzalez, and possibly help open up the offense to new heights.  Roddy could terrorize the middle of the field, while Julio and Watkins dominate the outside with their unhuman speed.

I definitely want a defensive player in the first round, but with Thomas Dimitroff, you never know what’s going to happen.