Defensive front seven differs from back seven in regards to this 'presence' effect. Sammy affected the defensive back seven by taking the focus/attention of 2 plus defenders. However, on the front seven, specifically pass rush related, this effect is different. The offense has a mostly static front 5/7 and occassional backfield blocker. Alignment of your defensive linemen can dictate what 'presence' you face. This is contrary to what the Watkins position was designed for--Sammy was aligned alone to garner all that attention. If the defense did not provide that 'presence' to Watkins they lose. The horizontal spacing of the offensive formation forces the defenses' hand.

For example, take a four man defensive front and a six man offensive front. I line up Suh on the center, Donald on the outside shoulder of the left guard and two men on the outside shoulders of the tackles. Donald has a one on one matchup with the guard. If the tackle slants down to Donald, Donald attacks the inside shoulder. Or I have Suh game to where the tackle was before blocking down. Additionally, I have made the right guard ineffective, unless he is quick enough to pick up Suh, well outside of him as the center slides to Donald. The difference is static positioning and intelligent defensive alignments.

Watkins value is much greater in regards to 'presence' than any defensive lineman with a competent coach.