The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a chance on one of the most eye-catching undrafted free agents this offseason, former Florida defensive tackle Desmond Watson. Known for his massive size, it was clear he would need to slim down to compete at the NFL level.
Watson, who played at 6-foot-5 and 464 pounds for the Gators, has managed to shed some weight, getting down to roughly 450 pounds. Still, he began training camp on the non-football injury list due to concerns about his size. Head coach Todd Bowles told Fox 13, “We’re just focused on helping him become a healthier player so he can get on the field more. He’s working hard, and we’re supporting him that’s all we can ask for at this stage.” The team has yet to reveal exactly how much more weight Watson needs to lose, and his odds of making the final 53-man roster appear low. However, if he plays, Watson could become the heaviest player ever to appear in an NFL game.
During his four-year stint at Florida, Watson recorded 63 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Despite his size, he’s more than just a space-eater he’s a real athlete. At Florida’s pro day, he impressed with a 25-inch vertical, 36 bench press reps at 225 pounds, and a 5.86-second 40-yard dash, according to USA Today. If he can get his weight under control, Watson has the tools to become a powerful run-stopper for Tampa Bay and possibly earn a role as a “tush-push” disruptor.
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