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NFL Draft 2021: 5 potential Day 3 wide receiver and tight end steals

By Sonny Martinez

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 26: Receiver T.J. Vasher #9 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the second half of the college football game against the Texas Longhorns on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 26: Receiver T.J. Vasher #9 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates after catching a touchdown pass during the second half of the college football game against the Texas Longhorns on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 21: Austin Watkins #6 of the UAB Blazers scores a touchdown over Josh Thomas #7 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers during the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 21, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 21: Austin Watkins #6 of the UAB Blazers scores a touchdown over Josh Thomas #7 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers during the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 21, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

1. Austin Watkins, WR, UAB

The cousin of Super Bowl champion and Clemson legend Sammy Watkins, Austin Watkins is a guy that will be hurt by being a small school player. He’s a former junior college transfer that arrived on campus in Birmingham as a two-star prospect with offers from Akron, Bowling Green, Marshall, Southern Miss, and UAB.

He only had one eye-popping season at UAB, but he’s been impressive his whole career. Over 25 games, Watkins had 98 catches for 1,642 yards and nine touchdowns. Had he played in the same 14 games in 2020 that he played in 2019, Watkins would have had a larger reception total while nearing 1,000 yards.

At near 6-foot-2, 207 pounds, Watkins has good size and runs routes inconsistently although much better last year. Watkins also has some quick cuts. He’s not going to blow past a cornerback because his speed isn’t great, but he can get away with some quick footwork.

Watkins isn’t a guy that’s going to come in and make an immediate impact. He’s going to need a bit of time and development at the next level. If he’s given that time and learn from the veterans on the team, Watkins could become a very dependable number three in the NFL.

Next. 2021 NFL Mock Draft: First round after Super Bowl LV. dark

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