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We are now up to three 2017 NFL Draft prospects who will be taking official visits to meet with the Green Bay Packers. After learning about Purdue wide receiver DeAngelo Yancey and Cincinnati inside linebacker Eric Wilson earlier, a third player has been reported this week.
That player is Air Force linebacker Ryan Watson.
In keeping with the Packers’ search for top athletic prospects in the late rounds of the draft or in undrafted free agency, Watson has the speed to qualify as a good athlete. He was listed by the Falcons at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds in 2016, and played his first two years on the defensive line before playing linebacker part-time as a junior. In his senior year, he recorded 8 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 11 games.
Watson’s measurements from Air Force’s Pro Day show that he was able to bulk up - weighing in at 249 pounds - and still maintain speed. However, his explosion numbers do leave something to be desired. Here’s one report of his numbers his March 21st workout:
DE/ OLB Ryan Watson, Air Force
— NFL Draft Diamonds (@DraftDiamonds) March 22, 2017
6-3 249
4.48 -40
9' 6" Broad Jump
29 " vertical
23 reps of 225
At that size, Watson certainly would project as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, though his speed might make him a potential candidate to move inside as well.
Stay tuned for more updates of draft visits as they are reported.