If we learned one thing about football from watching The Blind Side, it was the importance of having a good offensive line to protect your quarterback. Baylor’s football coaches certainly believe in that message, as evidenced by the professional quality players the Bears have featured on their o-line in recent years. That list starts with Jason Smith, the NFL Draft’s No. 2 overall pick a year ago, continues with J.D. Walton, a 2010 NFL draftee, and now includes Danny Watkins, the fourth overall pick in Sunday’s Canadian Football League Canadian Draft. (See video of his selection here.)
Watkins, a native of British Columbia who transferred to Baylor last year after earned junior college all-America honors at Butte College in California, was the consensus top player in this year’s CFL draft, but dropped to the fourth overall pick for two reasons. One, he still has a year of NCAA eligibility left, and he will be returning to Baylor this fall where he will again be the Bears’ starting left tackle as a senior. Two, Watkins is projected by many to follow Smith and Walton into the NFL when the 2011 draft rolls around. Still, he says he was flattered to be selected by his hometown British Columbia Lions.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be selected in the CFL Draft,” he said. “It’s definitely an exciting time for me, and I’m anxious to see what awaits as I head into my senior year here at Baylor.”
Sic ’em, Danny!
