SEC Football 2017: Biggest x-factor for every team

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24 September 2016: Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Keon Hatcher (#4) tries to get past Texas A&M Aggies cornerback Armani Watts (#23) during the Southwest Classic college football game between the Arkansas and Texas A&M at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Texas A&M won the game 45-24. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Texas A&M – Armani Watts

Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall are both off to the NFL which means the Aggies pass rush will be decimated. Armani Watts, the leader in the secondary, will have to do his best to minimize the damage in the defensive backfield. Watts is one of the best safeties in the country and will have to provide leadership so Texas A&M doesn’t miss a beat.

Defensive coordinator John Chavis loves to blitz. Watts also plays well in the scheme in the run game. Watts was one of the best at providing the last line of defense for the Aggies and can come toward the line and support in the run game. Quarterbacks really struggled to throw to his side of the field as they only averaged a 39.4 passer rating when Watts was involved on the play. If Watts can improve his tackling, you’re looking at one of the best safeties in the conference.

Texas A&M will be coming off a third-straight 8-5 season and seem to be stuck in purgatory within the conference. Kevin Sumlin appears to be on the hot seat and in need of a 10-win season. Watts is one of the players expected to take a leap and could be drafted pretty high in the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Aggies actually have some quality players in the secondary with top corner Donovan Wilson is returning for his Senior year and could be ticketed for a high draft selection a year from now. The biggest question now might be whether the pass rush can perform up to par?

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