WR Quez Watkins ‘guys are afraid of my speed’

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He wasn’t good enough to make the initial 53-man roster, but the Steelers are taking another shot on receiver Quez Watkins. They signed the 26-year-old receiver to the practice squad.

Feeling was the four-year Eagles receiver could have a resurgence in his career after signing with the Steelers in the offseason. A star at Southern Mississippi, there is lack of confidence from Watkins because of his biggest attribute, he’s fast.

“ A lot of guys are afraid of my speed ,” Watkins told 93.7 The Fan. “I just need to continue to put that pressure on guys. Everything has to be forward.
Everything has to be fast for the team.”

Watkins ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and Philly selected him in the sixth round in 2020. After not playing much his rookie season, Watkins started 12 games the next year. He played 69% of the snaps catching 43 passes (69% catch percentage) for 647 yards, averaging 15 yards-per catch. That season he was targeted 21 times on third down and caught 16 passes for 317 yards and a 19.8 yards-per catch average.

Over the next two seasons with the Eagles, just 496 yards and four touchdowns in 26 games (13 starts).

Where it really went south for the 6’, 193-pound Watkins, was in the first Steelers preseason game. He was the primary punt returner and had struggles judging punts and had one that he muffed. He caught only one pass in the preseason, in the final game against Detroit, for 10 yards.

“I feel like I’ve played well in camp,” Watkins told us. “In games, ball hasn’t been finding my way.”

Watkins says he’s better than he was in Philadelphia and claims to always be open. He’s going to have to prove that in practice and if he does, who knows, maybe another opportunity.