2018 NFL Draft: Armani Watts Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Texas A&M’s Armani Watts is a 2018 NFL Draft safety prospect who shows the ability to generate takeaways.
Armani Watts is an aggressive safety prospect who should hear his name called early on the 2nd day of the 2018 NFL Draft. Defensive coordinators will love how he attacks the football and looks to create turnovers.
Watts is a quick-twitch athlete who can cover a lot of ground in a hurry. He does a great job reading the quarterback to click and close on the ball. His feel for developing routes allows him to peel off his coverage and attack.
This is a defensive back who has excellent hands and is capable of high pointing the football. His combination of short-area burst, hands and instincts are what makes him such an attractive prospect. The fact that he has 10 career interceptions shows his potential as a ball-hawking safety.
Texas A&M typically asked Watts to work one of the deep halves or in the slot. Most of his coverage assignments involved zone, but he did get some experience in man coverage. He is absolutely a fluid enough athlete to develop into someone capable of routinely working in man out of the slot.
Against the run, Watts flashes aggressiveness and the ability to deliver a big hit. He will attack the line of scrimmage and get involved in the action. However, he does have some spells where he is too willing to get blocked.
The key for Watts to be a better run defender is consistency and working to finish.
Watts is someone who can also help on special teams as a coverage man. He has shown the ability to block some kicks as well.
Overall, Watts is an explosive athlete who has a nose for the ball. His ability to read the play and attack the football makes him a major turnover threat. There are many defensive backs who have his ball skills and aggressiveness.