Memphis running back Blake Watson is an explosive prospect with outstanding speed and burst. Watson produced 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a rusher this past season. A dual-threat back, Watson added 485 additional yards and three touchdowns to his totals as a pass-catcher. Watson continued elevating his pre-draft stock by running a 4.39 40 at Memhpis’ Pro Day. He also had a 41.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-3 broad.
Watson recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about transferring to Memphis from Old Dominion, his career-best production in 2023, his pro day showing, which teams have shown interest in his services, and more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Old Dominion to Memphis?
Blake Watson: I loved my time at Old Dominion. I was very thankful for my five years there. They helped me grow into a better all-around player. Memphis put me on a bigger national stage. I gained a little bit more recognition throughout my season at Memphis. I’m extremely thankful for the national spotlight Memphis placed on my talents.
JM: You hit the ground running. You rushed for a career-high 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023. What led to the uptick in production? That’s so impressive considering you had to acclimate to new surroundings.
Blake Watson: I would probably credit the offensive coordinator, coach Tim Cramsey. He used me in a lot of different ways. He was creative with getting the ball in my hands. We utilized multiple running schemes. We did different things with me in the passing game as well.
A lot of coaches aren’t as creative as coach Cramsey is. He did so many great things with me. I credit him for the production I managed to capture this past season.
JM: You also caught 53 passes for 485 additional yards and three TDs. Catching the ball out of the backfield is so important for a running back in today's game.
Blake Watson: Just look at the NFL right now. All of the best backs, the top backs in the league, they can all catch the ball coming out of the backfield. You have to be a huge threat in the passing game.
I knew that was an important asset to have. I used to play wide receiver back in the day. I transferred those skills to my abilities as a modern-day running back.
JM: We’ve seen that on tape. You put forth an outstanding performance at Pro Day. You ran a 4.39 40. You also leaped a 41.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-3 broad jump. Were you satisfied with the overall performance?
Blake Watson: Absolutely I was. I was thrilled with my numbers. They were great testing numbers for me. I went into pro day with a chip on my shoulder since I wasn’t at the NFL Combine. I wanted to prove to everybody that I deserved an invite to the combine.
You can’t dwell on those things though. I got over it and got past that. I moved forward with my preparation for pro day. I wish I got the invite, but it is what it is.
Even now, I’m seeing people say my numbers were skewed at the pro day or whatever. I mean, we got those numbers from NFL scouts. They were the ones taking my measurements and whatnot.
Nonetheless, I’m thrilled with the numbers I put up. I would have had the same testing results at the NFL Combine.
JM: The numbers were outstanding, and they align with your tape. Have you noticed an uptick in attention you've received from NFL scouts since the pro day?
Blake Watson: I’d say there was an uptake in the interest I’ve received since then. I’d also say that other NFL scouts believed in my numbers before the pro day, because I was receiving some interest before then, too.
I had a bunch of 30 pre-draft visits scheduled before pro day happened. I’d say that means some teams already believed in me. But I’d also say I’ve heard from more teams since the pro day results.
JM: I believe you went to Minnesota and Denver? What’s the pre-draft meeting process been like for you?
Blake Watson: I went to Minnesota and Denver last week. I had great visits with both of those teams. I loved it out there. I’m glad I was able to take those visits with an opportunity to see those facilities and meet those coaches. I made some great connections.
I had some recent virtual meetings as well. I met with the 49ers, Chargers, Browns, Giants, Jets, and Bills.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Blake Watson going to make at the next level?
Blake Watson: I’m going to be dependable and trustworthy. If the play is blocked to score six points, I’m making it to the end zone. I’m liable to pick up more yards after contact. I’m an explosive guy that’s ready to score touchdowns.