Sammy Watkins drafted by Buffalo Bills-Fantasy Football Fallout

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Sammy Watkins (Clemson) shakes hands with Roger Goodell after being selected as the number four overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Buffalo Bills at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bills offense just got even more exciting as Buffalo moved up in the draft trading with the Cleveland Browns to secure the #4 pick which they used to draft Clemson playmaker Sammy Watkins.

Watkins is considered to be pretty close to a sure thing and one of the elite four “can’t miss” picks. He was the only one of those fab four who will be a fantasy football player in standard leagues next season, and he’s sure to be drafted all over boards going into his rookie season.

Jan 3, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) runs with the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) defends during their game in the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

How good can Watkins be? This season he’ll need to establish a rapport with E.J. Manuel and hope Manuel can stay on the field, but Watkins ability makes it possible that he’ll emerge as a WR1 by the end of the season. I wouldn’t draft him that high, but he does have that kind of upside with the Bills looking to establish an up-tempo style under Doug Marrone and with other playmakers like C.J. Spiller and Robert Woods already part of the offense.

Buffalo has speed at their skill positions and should be a highly entertaining offense. Watkins steps right in as their best receiver although there are some nice complementary options already in place. Manuel’s health and connection with Watkins will be the big question heading into the season, but if he can stay healthy this offense should have plenty of fantasy-relevant pieces.

Sept 22, 2012; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) makes a leaping catch over Florida State Seminoles defensive back Tyler Hunter (1) during the first half of the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

Headed into preseason and early draft rankings, I’m putting Watkins as a high-end WR3 with bigtime upside and would be thrilled if I could add him as a third WR in standard leagues. Try to match him with a few more established options, but Watkins has almost no ceiling as he brings more Clemson flash and firepower to an already pretty solid offense in upstate New York. He’ll easily be the top rookie WR on my board heading into the preseason.

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