Danny Watkins time: What # and which NFL team will draft the Kelowna star? (video)

Danny Watkins will be in New York today. Radio City music hall is the final destination, waiting for his name to be called by an NFL team. 23rd? 25th? 26th? 29th? 31st? The draft experts have predicted any where from late in the first round to early second round for the former firefighter who did not start playing football until 22. The first round of the draft happens tonight, round 2 and 3 Friday night, and the balance of the draft on Saturday.

The CFL’s B.C. Lions drafted Watkins fourth overall in 2010 in the hope that he might not be considered big enough to play tackle in the NFL. But at this years Senior Bowl Watkins was switched to guard where he performed admirably against the top defensive tackle prospects.

His story is attractive to the media and his few football years and lack of wear and tear on his body are attractive to NFL teams who are not shy in drafting the 26 year old. Two years in juco (junior college) and two years in the NCAA and injury free.

The 6-foot-3, 310-pounder has had private workouts with more than a dozen NFL teams. Watkins has impressed NFL scouts with his technique and footwork, especially when it comes to pass blocking.


Watkins is not the only Canadian projected to be drafted over the weekend. Orlando Franklin, a six-foot-seven, 310-pound offensive lineman with the Miami Hurricanes, is projected to go anywhere between the second and fourth rounds.

Watkins could become the fourth Canadian first-round pick ever, following Oakville’s Tony Mandarich (second in 1989), Tim Biakabutuka (eighth in 1996) and Mike Schad (23rd in 1986).