Now entering his sixth season, Watson, a former first-round pick, has yet to fulfill his potential. He is both blessed and cursed by his eye-popping athleticism. He will forever be remembered for chasing down Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey in the playoffs following the 2005 season and is constantly chasing the expectations that come with that type of raw physical ability.
In his career, Watson has started 40 of 55 games, recording 138 receptions for 1,698 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Watson, who is in the final year of his contract, is coming off a season in which he had his lowest production since his rookie campaign (2004), which lasted only one game because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament; last season, Watson caught 22 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns.
Add it all up and Watson may be fighting for a job.
“Every year there is competition for roster spots, not just at tight end but at any position you look at there is always a competition,’’ said Watson. “That’s the nature of the National Football League. There are a certain amount of roster spots and you have a lot of guys who are very good football players and so there is always a fight for those spots. I’m not entering this camp any differently. I think everybody at every position is fighting for a job as they should be.’’
Health has handcuffed Watson during his career and during the training camp tight end derby. In five seasons he has yet to play a full 16-game slate, and until yesterday, he had not practiced in a non-walkthrough since July 31.
Watson acknowledged missing time is “very frustrating’’ and he feels a little bit behind.
“Oh definitely, any time you’re not out there it’s tough,’’ he said. “The important thing is to realize it’s only been ‘X’ amount of days, but in camp everything feels so long. I’m just trying to do the best I can in the training room to get back out there. That’s my main goal.’’
