Dallas Cowboys Watkins was selected by the
Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round (138th overall) of the
2006 NFL draft. As a rookie, he appeared in 14 games with 9 starts. He registered 49 tackles (led rookies in the NFL), 3 interceptions (second among rookies in the NFL), 6 passes defensed, 4
special teams tackles, 2 forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He also became one of the tallest
safeties in
NFL history. He was declared inactive in the fifth and sixth games, as
Keith Davis took over the starting position for the next 6 contests. He returned to action in the tenth game against the
Arizona Cardinals in a backup role, making his first career interception. In 2007, he became a core
special teams player as a
gunner. He posted 30 tackles, one interception, 3 passes defensed, 25
special teams tackles (led the team) and also returned a blocked field goal 68 yards for a touchdown against the
Minnesota Vikings. He missed 2 games with an ankle injury. In 2008, he was moved from
free to
strong safety, but he didn't demonstrate the tackle technique needed for run support, finishing with 15 tackles, 9
special teams tackles (eighth on the team). He missed 8 games with a neck injury and was placed on the
injured reserve list on December 2. In 2009, he collected 22 tackles and 18
special teams tackles (second on the team). He appeared in 13 games with one start, before spraining his left PCL in the thirteenth game. He missed the remainder of the regular season, but returned for the playoffs. On August 30, 2010, he was released after missing the first 3 preseason games with a knee injury.
San Diego Chargers On November 15, 2010, he was signed by the
San Diego Chargers, with the intention of improving their
special teams. On December 16, he was placed on the
injured reserve list, after re-aggravating his previous knee injury. He wasn't re-signed at the end of the season.
Toronto Argonauts On May 30, 2012, after being a year out of football recovering from his knee injury, he signed as a
free agent with the
Toronto Argonauts. He made 18 starts at
right cornerback. He missed the Eastern Final and the
Grey Cup championship game after fracturing his ankle. He finished with 67 tackles (third on the team), 5 interceptions (tied for first in the
CFL), 2 fumble recoveries and received
CFL All-Star honors. In 2013, he was again named to the
CFL All-Star team, after making 17 starts, 43 tackles, 5 interceptions and one fumble recovery.
Edmonton Eskimos On February 12, 2014, he was signed by the
Edmonton Eskimos as a
free agent. In 18 starts he registered 36 tackles, 7 passes defensed, 4
special teams tackles, 2 forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for a 50-yard touchdown. In 2015, he collected 66 tackles, 2 sacks and 4 interceptions (one returned for a 47-yard touchdown). He also contributed to the team winning the
Grey Cup. In 2016, he tallied 73 tackles and 2 interceptions. He wasn't re-signed after the season. ==NFL career statistics==