While not the sexiest pick in the first round, Watkins not only "can start from day one" according to head coach Andy Reid, he also gives the Eagles flexibility on the offensive line.
Watkins, 26, is a former firefighter from British Columbia, Canada that played left guard at Baylor. More importantly to the Eagles, however, is that he has the ability to play either guard position and that has a trickle-down effect.
That means that Todd Herremans, who played left guard last season, could potentially switch to right guard to help protect quarterback Michael Vick's blindside.
With Jamaal Jackson returning from a torn triceps injury that cost him all but one game of the 2010 season, Mike McGlynn will find himself in competition for two starting spots in training camp, at both guard and center.
And let's not forget about Max Jean-Gilles, who had his best season in 2008 before breaking his fibula in a Thanksgiving night tilt against the Cardinals. Jean-Gilles was working his way back into form last season and played well enough to be tendered a restricted free agent contract prior to the work stoppage.
With Nick Cole set to become an unrestricted free agent, it makes the Watkins pick even more valuable.
It goes a long way in solidifying an offensive line that was inconsistent and injury-plagued in 2010.
