Good question. To me Watkins doesnt justify that pick, but, who knows? To me it would Clowney or the best LT. A guy who can either protect the QB or rush the passer for the next decade.
If I had no questions about Clowney I would say him at 1.2, despite his being the least obvious need. If I knew his head was right, I think the Calvin Johnson of DEs comparisons are accurate, athletically. But I do have questions.
So even if he is supposedly BPA, consensus scouting grades don't equate to being psychic or able to see into the heart, soul or spirit of a person. If he is a disappointment, it isn't on Mike Mayock (who I actually like a lot, curious to hear him weigh in later), Mel Kiper or Todd McShay, they won't get fired. So I would still take the player I picked at 1.4, which was Robinson. I LOVE Watkins, he is a sexier pick, but also a very substantive one, not doubt he would help weaponize Bradford, Austin, Cook, et al. And I will be ecstatic if we get him. But to grossly oversimplify, if Bradford is on his ass, or blows his knee or ankle or shoulder out again, that renders Sammy "Candy Man" Watkins moot. Maybe the OL is good enough, maybe it isn't (depending on who stays or goes, free agency, who else we add in the draft), but given how many problems there have been even predating Fisher, but also since, erring on the side of caution could be the smart play.
Robinson could be so versatile, possible Pro Bowl guard if he plays their initially (a lot of greats have, like Ogden?), could be an upgrade at RT and possible Pro Bowler there, injury insurance and heir apparent for Jake Long. Some question his pass pro, but that sounds like lack of opportunity due to schem at Auburn, and he has the requisite feet and athleticism (sounds like he hits secondary targets downfield) to be coached up. The NFC West is like the wood chipper scene in Fargo, Robinson plays physical, violent and angry but under control, and visions of him blowing SEA and SF Defensive Linemen off the ball gives me a good feeling.
All that said making a case for OL, here is a case where the poll format may fail me here. It would be very close, but not sure Matthews is as rare as Robinson, so in a BPA sense, but with Watkins not having the questions of Clowney earlier, I might sequence it Robinson, Watkins and Matthews. Matthews would also be a great choice, I have no problem with that. But Watkins IMO could be more rare and special in a pure BPA sense. I would like to see if Sherman can hang with Watkins in a full on 40 yard sprint, I have my doubts, and I think he is strong and physical enough to defeat NFL jams at the LOS. Fortunately, we will have a much better sense of the state of the OL by draft time (if not Jake Long's readiness for week one).
* Ultimately, I assign a low probability we don't trade down, too many QB needy teams.