Watson, 6-foot-6, 464-pound defensive tackle, is causing a stir as pro football’s next very big thing. Poised to become the heaviest player ever selected in the NFL draft, Watson is capturing the attention of scouts and fans alike. Despite an undistinguished pro career, he had a very successful college career and never missed a game. Today, he finds himself nearing the threshold of the pro world, at a disadvantage because of his stature.
Watson’s path to this moment hasn’t been easy. His mother, a former basketball player great in her own right, tips the scales at 250. She attributes her 205 pound weight gain to having six kids and being sedentary during the pandemic lockdowns. This backdrop likely played a role in Watson’s difficulty trying to keep his weight up during his college career. His recent pro day at Florida marked his heaviest weigh-in yet, leading to discussions about whether his size could be an asset or a liability in the NFL.
Despite the concerns surrounding his weight, Watson’s potential to serve as an immovable object against the NFL’s unstoppable forces is generating excitement. When at Florida’s pro day, he showed a unique range of versatility. His performance defied all the traditional standards for a player of his size. His jersey was a size-6XL, not counting, of course, the custom-made pads and cleats. With eye popping strength, he simply out-bench pressed all the other draft prospects. He registered a remarkable 25-inch vertical leap and a 5.93-second 40-yard dash time.
Watson’s former high school coach, Evan Davis, noted that many see Watson’s weight and immediately think of the television show “My 600-pound Life.” Davis insists, Watson’s game goes beyond any such short quarterback stereotypes because of what his unique package of talents allows him to do.
“I played against Tennessee, which was the fastest offense in the nation, all four years [of college],” – Desmond Watson
Watson’s experience against elite competition has equipped him with a strong foundation as he transitions to a higher level of play. Weight is definitely part of it, but he admits that’s not the biggest thing on his radar.
“So [weight] isn’t really a worry of mine. But I know the lighter I get, the more I can dominate because that’s the goal,” – Desmond Watson
His family history, as we learn through his testimony, provides an even deeper dimension to his story. With a dad who measures in at 6’4”, 300 pounds, there are certainly athletes in the family bloodlines. Watson unapologetically claims his heritage as a receiver, a running back and a track star. This influential ancestry has obviously informed his own development and abilities as a player.
Watson tells little stories about his pride in his college career. He remembers in great detail his swan song at the Gasparilla Bowl, when the Gators entrusted him with the ball for a game-clinching first down in the final minutes. From game-sealing interceptions to perfectly timed tackles in key moments, that was his calling card and what made him prepared for the next level.
Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has weighed in on Watson’s potential, suggesting that he could evolve into a reliable playmaker at around 420 pounds. Most football experts are convinced beyond reason that if Watson gets the proper conditioning and training, he can learn to use that size. This would help him become arguably the biggest villain in the NBA.
As the NFL draft window opens and closes, the story of Desmond Watson will spiral in many directions. His rare size and skill combination puts him up there as one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects this year. The only difference is whether teams will consider him an asset or a liability if he’s five pounds overweight.