Top 25 NFL free agents for 2018

23. Sammy Watkins, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Speaking of unrealized potential, I give you Watkins. The Buffalo Bills traded up to get him in the 2014 draft, then after three mostly unremarkable (and at times injury-hampered) seasons they declined his fifth-year option for 2018 last offseason. Then a surprising trade came in August, as the Los Angeles Rams took a flier on a still-intriguing talent with no multi-year commitment and the Bills’ new regime invited talk about tanking this season.

Watkins had his moments this year with the Rams, including a 100-yard, two-touchdown game in Week 3 and a touchdown in five out of six games from Week 9-Week 14. He also played 15 games, before being among the key Rams’ players who were rested in Week 17 with nothing to really gain for the Wild Card Round. But his catch total (39) was not great, and his 15.2 yards per catch was actually a couple ticks down from 2016 with the Bills (15.4 yards per catch), when a foot injury affected him.

But Watkins will still only be 25 years old by the time the 2018 season starts. Theoretical upside is enough to get a nice multi-year deal on the free agent market, even if the ship has sailed on him ever becoming a true No. 1 wide receiver befitting where he was drafted. A return to the Rams is not out of the question, and Watkins may have some desire to stay with a team that looks set to be good for awhile.