When the Bills traded up to draft Sammy Watkins fourth overall, they knew what they were getting. A talented wide receiver from Clemson, Watkins was expected to immediately contribute and become the Bills best wide receiver. Watkins lived up to the billing from the start and has been the best Bills wide receiver since he was drafted.
Watkins' Seasons.
Watkins almost recorded 1000 yards receiving in his rookie year and set rookie records with 65 receptions and 982 receiving yards. In 2015, he was even better, recording more than 1000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Watkins was particularly dominant in the second half of the year, as teams struggled to cover him with anybody.
In 2017, the production of Watkins tapered off significantly. The Bills focused more on the run game, and injuries kept Sammy off the field. Watkins had minimal impact on the team in 2017 thanks to his injury, and the team relied more on Lesean Mccoy instead.
Contract Year.
Watkins can't afford another slip up with injuries again. He's already struggled to stay on the field and there aren't going to be many teams interested at the end of 2017 if he fails to appear in games against next season. That means the pressure is on for Watkins to both stay healthy and deliver huge results.
If that happens, he'll get huge offers from not just the Bills, but the rest of the NFL.
But if he struggles again, Watkins won't get to sign for that big free agent contract every NFL player desires. He certainly has the talent and is capable of putting up another big season. But will he?
Bills Focus on Offense.
The Buffalo Bills led the league in rushing last season thanks to the strong efforts of lead back LeSean McCoy and backup Mike Gillislee.
Their offensive line helped open holes that created a tough Bills offense to stop. Tyrod Taylor threw for approximately 3000 yards last year, a low number in a pass happy NFL. That could make it tough for Watkins to accumulate huge numbers in 2017.
But the Bills did lose receivers Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin in free agency.
They have no true number two wide receiver on the roster, although they could draft one. That should make Watkins the first, second, and third option when Taylor drops back to throw the ball. There aren't many cornerbacks in the NFL quick enough to keep up with Watkins, and his route running, when healthy, is impeccable. Even though the Bills might focus on the run, Watkins should have enough opportunities to prove to the Bills and the NFL that he is worthy of a big contract.
