Pat Watkins attended Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida. As a senior, Watkins recorded 140 tackles, 6 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. He was also an outstanding return man who took 6 kicks back for touchdowns on the year. Pat earned first team all-American honors for his performance that season. At the conclusion of his high school career, Pat was considered to be one of the top safety prospects in the nation. He played in the Florida-California all-star game and was recruited by Florida State, Miami, Florida, Georgia, and USC. He accepted a scholarship to Florida State where he totaled 10 tackles and 1 forced fumble, serving as a reserve safety his true freshman season. As a sophomore, Watkins saw action in all 13 games, receiving his first start against Miami in the Orange Bowl. He earned the starting free safety job as a junior, a position he would hold onto for the next two seasons. He started all 12 games for the Seminoles that season, finishing with 56 tackles, 10 passes broken up, 2 forced fumbles, and he tied for second in the ACC with 4 interceptions. As a senior, Watkins totaled 67 tackles, 5 passes broken up, 3 interceptions, and one forced fumble.

Pat Watkins has a good deal of experience, having started at free safety for the Seminoles since the Orange Bowl his sophomore year. At 6-4, Watkins has outstanding height for a safety. He has the height to matchup against any receiver he faces and enough speed to stay with most receivers as well. His combination of height and leaping ability along with his long arms allow him to go up and get the football against any receiver. He gets a good break on the football and has sure hands. He makes plays all over the field and takes good angles to the ballcarrier. He is aggressive against the run and a hard hitter, However, he could improve his tackling technique. He has pretty good speed but not elite speed. He is a smart player who rarely gets beat, but when he is beat he doesn’t have great recovery speed. He is a little thin and may need to bulk up some and increase his strength. Pat Watkins has all the physical tools you look for in a NFL safety. He could improve his technique but he has a good deal of upside and could develop into a very good starting safety. He has a chance to be a first day pick in April.