A defensive lineman from the University of Florida is drawing significant attention ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. Desmond Watson, listed at a staggering 464 pounds, presents a physical challenge unlike any seen in recent football history.
Watson's weight places him far above previous benchmarks for NFL players. The heaviest player to appear in a game, Aaron Gibson, weighed around 410 pounds. Watson exceeds that figure by more than 50 pounds, making him the potentially heaviest player ever drafted into the league.
His size generates discussion about how teams might deploy him. One popular theory suggests Watson could serve as an answer to the league's controversial "tush push" play, which some teams have attempted to ban. Efforts to outlaw the maneuver faced resistance, as the vote to ban the play was tabled earlier this year. Watson's sheer mass in the middle could make gaining short yardage significantly harder.
Despite his immense size, Watson has demonstrated surprising athleticism. At Florida's pro day last month, he bench pressed 225 pounds 36 times, a number that would have led all participants at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also ran a 5.93-second 40-yard dash and achieved a 25-inch vertical jump.
Watson's pro day performance earned him notice after not receiving a Combine invitation. He aimed to prove doubters wrong and show teams his capabilities extended beyond just his size.
His unique physique doesn't mean a lack of skill or even versatility. Watson became a fan favorite at the University of Florida, notably carrying the ball for a first down during the Gasparilla Bowl last season, highlighting a rare moment of offensive utility for a defensive lineman.
Recognizing the demands of the next level, Watson is working on managing his weight. NFL teams have reportedly provided him with target weights. He has already shed roughly 30 pounds from his peak.
Interest in a prospect as unusual as Watson extends to various teams, including speculation about the Philadelphia Eagles, who heavily utilize the tush push. An NFL insider, per a piece published Tuesday, suggested the Eagles drafting Watson could be entertaining, partly for his potential application against or even in their signature short-yardage play.
Florida head coach Billy Napier commented on Watson's rare physical attributes.
"He’s a unicorn," Napier told reporters at the team’s pro day. "You’ll go the rest of your career, and you’ll never be around a guy that’s that stature."
