The Memphis Showboats are stacking the deck with familiar talent in an effort to reverse last season’s unimpressive performance. In a move that's as strategic as it is sentimental, the Showboats brought former Memphis Tiger Blake Watson aboard during the United Football League's college draft yesterday, as confirmed by WREG. Watson, a standout during his time with the Tigers, racked up over 1600 yards of total offense and 17 touchdowns in his one season, earning him a place as the team's top pick of the second round.
Hoping to cling to a roster spot in Denver with the Broncos, Watson was one among many selected by the Showboats – a list that includes the likes of Kansas quarterback Jason Bean as the number one overall pick. Having signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent, Bean threw for 2,130 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, a statistic that seemingly aligns with Memphis’s aspirations for future successes.
As reported by The Commercial Appeal, the Showboats' selection of Watson indicates they hold exclusive rights to the player, with options depending on whether Watson sticks with the Broncos or not. The UFL draft, an event that ultimately shapes the future of the league’s burgeoning teams, is a pivotal moment for players like Watson to solidify their professional paths.
The draft pool was not shallow by any means, with defensive and offensive talents such as FAU defensive tackle Evan Anderson, Holy Cross receiver Jalen Coker, and Yale receiver Mason Tipton joining the Showboats' ranks. These players, while having various interactions with NFL teams through undrafted free agent signings or rookie mini-camp invites, form the core of Memphis's strategy to build a resilient and dynamic team. After a disappointing 2-8 turn in the most recent season, any such moves are much more than gestures; they are imperatives in the team's pursuit of success into the next season.
As detailed by Local Memphis, rooters of the Showboats might be seeing former favorites return to the fold on home turf, a strategy aimed at nurturing local support as much as capitalizing on proven talent. Watson's arrival marks the team's commitment to bringing a touch of Tiger spirit to the Showboats, a bet that both the fans and the franchise are hoping could pay dividends in the seasons ahead.
