Bills rookie receiver Sammy Watkins hasn’t made a Randy Moss-style vow to rip up the league. But Watkins doesn’t need to. The importance of ripping things up is implied in the all-in move the team made to get him — especially with a new owner coming.
After his first training-camp practice with the team that gave up a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick in 2015 to move up five spots in the top 10 to get Watkins, the fourth overall selection was asked whether he can make an instant impact right away.
“With our offense, we’ve got a lot of explosive guys, so for me it’s just about coming in right away and trying to make plays,” Watkins told reporters in comments distributed by the team. “Don’t try and be Superman, but play my role and everything will work out.”
He may not try to be Superman, but the fans may have already fitted him for a cape. Watkins already is a favorite at practice.
“It means a lot,” Watkins said. “I came from a big Division I school in Clemson so we need our fans. That’s what moved me and it’s great to hear the fans calling my name out and being active while we’re practicing.”
They’ll be even more active during games if Watkins can quarterback EJ Manuel can connect. Per Mike Rodak of ESPN.com, Manuel was four-for-four in passes thrown to Watkins during team drills on Sunday.
“It felt good,” Manuel told reporters regarding the throws to Watkins. “You really just want to get it in a spot for him to catch it and get some yards after the catch. That’s the biggest thing about a receiver like Sammy.”
Big things will be needed from Watkins and Manuel or big changes will be coming once the new owner is in place.
