When the Philadelphia Eagles burned their first-round draft pick on Danny Watkins two Aprils ago, he was projected to slide in at right guard and stick there deep into the future.
After making 12 uneven starts as a rookie in 2011, Watkins eventually was benched last season and now looms as a potential cut, according to Vaughn Johnson of Philly.com.
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Watkins also made our list of veterans hurt by this year's draft. With first-round pick Lane Johnson likely to start at right tackle across from bookend Jason Peters -- and Jason Kelce penciled in at center -- that leaves Watkins to battle Todd Herremans and Evan Mathis for snaps inside.
Watkins ranked 54th among 81 qualifying guards last season, per ProFootballFocus. His pass blocking especially was disastrous.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman talked last month about a "fresh start" for Watkins under new coach Chip Kelly. If Watkins doesn't make the cut, there's always Canada. Watkins hails from up north and was drafted in 2010 by the CFL's B.C. Lions, who still hold his rights.
A more logical landing spot, if he's sent packing, is the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid, who drafted Watkins in Philly. It's May, so those decisions are months away, but Watkins is on the hook to show he belongs.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
