Christian Watson was a 2-star recruiting prospect out of Tampa, FL. He was listed as 6-2 and 175-pounds coming out of high school and committed to North Dakota State to play football. He redshirted his first year as a Bison, and went on to record nine receptions for 165 yards and 51 yards on special teams in his redshirt sophomore season. As a redshirt junior, he broke out, carrying the ball 13 times for 162 yards and a touchdown. His longest run was 70 yards, showcasing his breakaway speed. Along with rushing and receiving, he continued to contribute as a kick returner.
2021 was Watson’s redshirt senior season. He declared for the NFL Draft after posting 43 receptions for 800 yards and seven touchdowns. He also rushed 15 times for 114 yards and an additional touchdown, adding 227 yards on special teams returns. Watson was invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. At 6-4 and 211-pounds, he was an interesting draft prospect and stood out among other seniors from Power Five programs.
Watson was selected in the 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. As a rookie, he appeared in 14 games and finished the season with 41 receptions for 611 receiving yards. Watson had a 102.5-percent (No. 7) True Catch Rate and was a touchdown machine. He had his most productive stretch from Weeks 10 to 13, finishing as a top-10 fantasy receiver and catching all seven of his receiving touchdowns during that stretch.
However, Watson disappointed fantasy managers in year three despite the success the of the Green Bay offense. He struggled with injures and ceded his role as the top target in the offense to Jayden Reed. Even in a limited role though Watson showed an affinity for the endzone and as a deep threat ranking No. 6 in average depth of target.
Looking toward 2024 Watson is currently an afterthought in fantasy football leagues. Nonetheless, given the momentum of the Packers' offense and Jordan Love he could be set up for bounce back.
