04/30/2012 - A closer look at the Rams' picks: Round 5/150 - Rokevious Watkins, OG, 6-4, 330, South Carolina...Two-year starter after transferring from Georgia Military College, and played both guard and tackle. The Rams have an opening at left guard, and they hope the massive Watkins can come in and compete. COULD SURPRISE: Guard Rokevious Watkins - Played numerous positions in two years in college, but could be a stalwart at guard if takes to the coaching of Paul Boudreau. - The Sports Xchange
Born Rokevious P. Watkins, he now goes by Kevious.
At three-star recruit coming out of Georgia Military College, Watkins decided to join former high school teammates Steven Singleton, Tony Straughter and Josh Dickerson with the Gamecocks.
After redshirting in 2009, he started 14 games the next season, including two at right guard before moving to left guard and then back to the right side. The Georgia coaching staff did Watkins a favor with his draft stock by moving him to right tackle during spring drills in 2011.
It's that versatility that NFL teams covet in reserve linemen. Watkins has seen time at all four exterior offensive line positions, although he projects best at guard in the NFL.
Analysis
Positives: Naturally large man with all of physical traits scouts are looking for in a developmental prospect. Possesses a thick body with long arms. Versatile. Saw time at all four exterior line positions with the Gamecocks. Surprisingly athletic. Can surprise defenders with his ability to get to the second level and has the reach and balance to be effective in space. Legitimate upside with NFL coaching and being left to develop at one position...
Negatives: Has allowed his weight to fluctuate in the past and hasn't shown the desired work ethic to take advantage of his natural combination of size and athleticism. Experienced inside and out at South Carolina but projects best inside at guard in the NFL due to a lack of elite foot quickness. Inconsistent get-off at the snap and can be beaten by speed. Has a tendency to play to the level of his competition. Isn't the powerful blocker his body would indicate, largely because he relies on his size rather than tenacity or technique to get the job done.
