The NFL Draft is always a spectacle, and this year, one player is making headlines for his size, potentially setting a new benchmark in the process. Desmond Watson, a defensive tackle from the Florida Gators, may not have been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but he certainly stole the spotlight at his pro day, turning heads with both his remarkable measurements and striking physicality.
While his collegiate career didn’t come with a slew of accolades, Watson’s time on the field at Florida was marked by participation in 51 games, where he racked up 63 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. But it was at the pro day where he really showcased his potential. The 6-foot-6 lineman put his strength on display, bench pressing 225 pounds for an impressive 36 repetitions. He also managed a 25-inch vertical jump and clocked a 40-yard dash time of 5.93 seconds.
However, the standout number on this occasion was his weight: 464 pounds. That’s right, at this hefty figure, Watson could challenge the record for the heaviest player ever drafted—a title currently held by Trent Brown and Daniel Faalele, both offensive linemen who were drafted at 380 pounds. Watson’s weight sits a staggering 84 pounds heavier than both of them, which not only raises eyebrows but also opens up discussions about the intersection of size and skill in professional football.
His head coach, Billy Napier, praises Watson’s natural size while acknowledging the dedicated efforts of nutritionists and coaches to help him refine his game. Napier expressed confidence in Watson’s growth over the years, emphasizing that this past season was when Watson truly shined. “He’s learned a lot about habit-building, self-discipline,” Napier stated. “Ultimately, the guy’s frame score would indicate that he’s going to be a huge — that number’s always going to be pretty big.”
As the draft draws closer, Watson’s journey has shifted from being an overlooked prospect to a player that teams might take a closer look at. His immense size, combined with the physical prowess he showcased at the pro day, makes him a fascinating candidate for teams looking to bolster their rosters.
So, will Desmond Watson hear his name called on draft day? With the intrigue surrounding his potential and size, it’s a storyline worth following closely. The realities of the draft are unpredictable, but one thing is clear: if a team decides to take a chance on Watson, they might just be adding an extraordinary presence to their defensive line.
