Weight lifted off Watkins' shoulders
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Weight lifted off Watkins' shoulders
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
It happens quickly in the NFL: One moment you're the starter, the next you're not even dressing and may not dress for weeks, if at all.
That's Danny Watkins' tale. The Eagles top draft pick was the starting right guard a little over a week ago. Now he's on the bench and wasn't even active in the opener against the Rams on Sunday. According to everyone involved in the decision -- including the rookie -- it was the prudent move.
"I don't think relieved is the right word," Watkins said Monday at the NovaCare Complex a day after the Eagles toppled St. Louis, 31-13. "Obviously, I'm chomping at the bit to get out there. I want to go out there when I'm 100 percent, mentally and physically prepared. I think physically it's there, but mentally I just need to continue to get the reps."
Watkins started all through the preseason, but was replaced by Kyle DeVan last Monday, just a day after the Eagles picked the former Colt up off waivers. With so many new pieces on the offensive line, that also included moving Todd Herremans from left guard to right tackle, Eagles coach Andy Reid couldn't further risk injury to quarterback Michael Vick.
"I think that Danny's had a huge weight lifted off his shoulders by this," Herremans said. "Obviously, he's not happy with it. He wants to be playing. He may feel like he's letting the team down."
While he has only played organized football for four years, Watkins has never sat. It will be hard for him to win his spot back just on the practice field. DeVan appeared to play well against St. Louis, but Watkins needs to be ready in case of injury. Although, the Eagles may be more inclined to move center Jason Kelce over to right guard and put Jamaal Jackson in at center before sticking Watkins back in there.
"DeVan knows the offense. He’s a veteran player," Reid said. "Danny’s day will come. He’s a talented kid. There is too much catchup there.”
Watkins said he wants to play, but not at the expense of Vick.
"For sure, but I also don't want to be getting No. 7 hit," he said.
Vote: Grade the Eagles- Say What?
— camasbud - Terrible pick! 26 and on the bench. DeSean is 23 and almost All Pro...Give HIM the money, not Watkins! Every sports outlet said take Carimi and we shocked the world...with Danny Watkins. He is a good person, hope one day soon he will be a good football player.— jayram
- Watkins needs to get a mean streak in him like Jon Runyan. Everytime I see him, he is smiling with a Gomer Pyle type attitude. Get mean dude. Get a some tatoos, grow a goatee and wear dark shades.
— zeke128 - Kid Watkins will be fine over time. He's a hard-working, classy kid that will succeed in this league. He will not be a clubhouse cancer like the the ex-backup QB.— Astro Jones
- Never should had draft him— Tony Wayne
- Watkins seems like a nice enough kid, but he seems a little too okay with the demotion. He seems a bit overwhelmed on the big stage, not a good thing in Philly when football is king even with the Phillies. The blame goes on Reid, not Watkins. This last draft was a complete joke anyway. None of your first three picks from this year dressed and nine of your first three from last year either.— yourdaddy!
- More proof only that FFAR cannot only not coach, he cannot draft either. FFAR must go and he must go NOW>>>>>— momzer
- Really sad how the Eagles waste high draft picks— Ssteve115
- Vick took far too many hits in the preseason. Good move, I thought so even before the game.— hallux
- How predictable. Already the "Watkins was a mistake" brigades are out. Watkins had no minicamps, just one month of preseason, that's it. He's going to be good, calm down.— p-diddy
- Watkins DOES have a mean streak on the field. That was one thing that scouts loved about him. Off the field he's a decent person, imagine that!— p-diddy
- Seriously, are you idiots writing off Watkins after week one, after a shortened preseason? Brainless morons. They're guessing, that all they're doing.— p-diddy
- GB drafted an OL in the first round and he was inactive. Does that make him a bust too or does he get a pass because it's the Packers.— bleedgreen
