There's been a lot of talk about the ascension of Hill and Long

Submitted by BlueWon on

But Brandon Watson seems to be playing close to their level, too, which has to shock just about everyone. He has risen from the ashes like the proverbial Phoenix.

Does he play in the NFL, too? Any guesses as to where he might get drafted?

HimJarbaugh

October 18th, 2017 at 1:31 PM ^

I am not sure. Whenever I see Watson in action he's either beat yet right on his receiver or making a great play. I haven't seen much of the former from Hill and Long.

1VaBlue1

October 18th, 2017 at 1:53 PM ^

If you're right on the reciever, in good position or not, then you're forcing a good throw and catch.  Sometimes you just get beat - see the Orange Bowl's go-ahead TD fade over Jourdan Lewis as reference.

Watson has a lot of balls thrown his way because of who the other corner is.  I mean, what's your choice as a QB - Hill's interception or the percieved weakest link?

SpilledMilk

October 18th, 2017 at 1:47 PM ^

As far as Watson and the rest of the secondary, I don't think they've really been tested yet (outside of Purdue whatever that means). We'll know alot more about this group by Sunday morning

Magnus

October 18th, 2017 at 1:54 PM ^

Risen from the ashes? I didn't notice any ashes.

But anyway, Watson isn't the athlete those other guys are. He's a physical guy, but athletically, he's probably more on par with someone like J.T. Floyd, who didn't get drafted. Stribling was a better athlete (though not as physical) and didn't get drafted, either. I don't think Watson will get picked.

BlueWon

October 18th, 2017 at 3:30 PM ^

in the secondary as it seemd he was out of position a lot. Seemed like most here had written him off (including maybe me). It seems he's been very good this year although I haven't broken down any film.

reddogrjw

October 18th, 2017 at 2:18 PM ^

we lose Hurst and McCray (and Wrobleski)

maybe Marshall gets "the handshake"

Ross, Anthony and Singleton should be contributing at LB

Jeter, Solomon play more on the DL

man the defense just looks awesome for a while

SD Larry

October 18th, 2017 at 2:32 PM ^

terrific imho, and have been improving by the week.   It looks like they will both have outstanding careers at Michigan.  B. Watson also playing well.  Big test for all 3 this weekend.

Perkis-Size Me

October 18th, 2017 at 2:52 PM ^

Major credit to Zordich. Granted we'll find out how good these guys really are now that we're getting into the tougher half of the schedule, but based on what we've seen so far, the dropoff from last year has been minimal. LaVert Hill is another Jourdan Lewis in the making, David Long is right up there with him, and Brandon Watson has been more than holding his own. 

If only Don Brown could coach offense too. Then man this team would almost be a lock for the playoff. 

Night_King

October 18th, 2017 at 3:27 PM ^

Watson doesn't have the same speed, which makes his potential at the next level really tough to gauge. Stribling had a really strong season last year and didn't even get drafted. Corner is a tough ass position. A lot of guys that can run 4.3/4.4's get drafted in the later rounds for pure athleticism. 

Eastside Maize

October 18th, 2017 at 6:11 PM ^

Illustrates his receiving skills. He high pointed the ball better than any our WRs has this season. I would gladly trade more WR reps for Hill/ less for Crawford and McDrop.

The Fan in Fargo

October 18th, 2017 at 7:31 PM ^

If Zordich isn't getting paid what other top cornerbacks coaches are, he better because look at what he's did with talent. Lights fucking out baby. Stribling and Jeremy Clark were never going to the NFL before him in my opinion. They just weren't taught right until Zord came along. You don't want to lose Zordich or anyone on this entire fucking defensive staff!!!!!

As for Hill and Long, cant wait until next year though as good as those two are now. Long never gets as much attention but I'm not seeing him giving up any huge plays. Couldn't be more impressed with this defense all around though. Offense is coming. Crossing the fingers.