Sammy Watkins Is Too Talented to Fall out of Top 5 in 2014 NFL Draft

The 2014 NFL draft has outstanding depth at almost every position, but wide receiver is among the most notable, stocked with pass-catchers who can make an immediate difference in the pros.

Former Clemson star Sammy Watkins is the clear standout from the talented bunch, though, serving as the draft's most coveted offensive playmaker. Any team interested in acquiring him outside of the top five in the order must trade up into that stratosphere, or else Watkins will be off the board.

If his pre-draft visits are any indication, Watkins may not last past the third overall pick. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Wednesday that Watkins is slated to visit the St. Louis Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars soon:

The Rams are taking a particularly hard look at Watkins, who could be brought in as the No. 1 receiver St. Louis has been searching for. Jacksonville should at least consider him if he's still available at third overall—even with a need at quarterback.

That's how much of a difference-maker Watkins promises to be right away in the NFL. Bleacher Report expert Matt Miller compares him to Cincinnati Bengals superstar A.J. Green:

There are indeed no glaring holes in Watkins' game. What stands out are his ability to get out of his breaks, amazing change of direction, vision in the open field and flat-out speed.

Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reported what Watkins said about his adjustment to the next level in a recent radio interview:

"

I have some freakish talents and ability to make plays I can jump, run catch, make somebody miss. That's my game.

[...] I'm able to transition myself and work through tough conditions. I understand football and the preparation, so for me, it's getting in with the team I'm with and learn that playbook. That's all I need to do is really learn that playbook, and after that, just adjusting to the speed of the game and how cornerbacks play in the NFL.

That would be the next step. I think after the first few games I'll be definitely fine.

"

The full package was on display in Watkins' final game at Clemson. In the Orange Bowl, he laid waste to an Ohio State defense featuring first-round-caliber cornerback Bradley Roby for 16 receptions, 227 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers' 40-35 win.

In light of that performance whilst grinding through an apparent injury, any doubts about Watkins being a top draft prospect were dismissed.

The Detroit Lions have the 10th overall pick and hosted Watkins for a visit recently, per the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett.

Adding Watkins to an offense that already features Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate in the receiving corps with cannon-armed QB Matthew Stafford would be downright scary for the rest of the league to deal with.

But Miller doesn't see that being a possibility barring a trade-up—and believes the Lions know it to be true:

Count NBC Sports Network's Ross Tucker as one who thinks the notion is one Detroit should not even entertain:

A more realistic possibility for a team outside the top five may be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 7 overall. The Bucs traded away receiver Mike Williams and could use another marquee target to pair opposite Vincent Jackson.

Eric Edholm of Yahoo! Sports believes it's worth the bold gamble—but also concedes that Tampa Bay will have to move up to make Watkins a Buccaneer:

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah has said that he could see the Bucs making the move.

"They need a receiver to pair with Jackson and they can get the best receiver in this draft in the explosive Sammy Watkins," said Jeremiah, per NFL.com's Bryan Fischer. "He can also help in the return game, a very dynamic player."

The Big Lead's Jason McIntyre goes against the grain in his analysis, citing new general manager Jason Licht's history with the New England Patriots as part of the reason:

There seems to be a definitive consensus that any move to be made for Watkins has to come from some team in the top five, or from an interested suitor from the outside.

Trading up to as high as the second draft choice—despite the aforementioned depth of a receiver class that could see something like six wideouts drafted in the first round—shows how special Watkins is.

Even Detroit, which has one of the deepest receiving corps in the NFL, is at least considering Watkins. If that's happening, imagine how the front offices in St. Louis and Jacksonville feel.

Both could address other needs, but passing on Watkins could be a grave mistake for both. The Rams need more offensive firepower to keep up in the NFC West, while the Jags need general excitement and would be playing it safe by snagging Watkins over a questionable crop of QB prospects.

The last pick in the top five is the Oakland Raiders, whose veteran signal-caller Matt Schaub needs a No. 1 target. It would be a downright shock if Watkins slid past the Silver and Black when he could be the boost of excitement they need in a pivotal 2014 campaign to become competitive in the AFC West again.

In looking ahead at the three strong fits Watkins has among the top five teams—along with two others in the top 10 who could trade up for him—there's no doubt Watkins is off the board at No. 5 overall or sooner.