Looking at everything massive defensive tackle Desmond Watson did during Florida’s pro day, his most impressive moment might have been leaving the practice facility without anyone noticing.
The 6-foot-6, 464-pound prospect somehow avoided detection from team personnel and media members after his workout in front of NFL scouts on Thursday.
Watson’s teammates and coaches spoke on his behalf, all praising his performance and trying to convince someone to make him the heaviest draft pick in NFL history next month.
“He moves way better than anybody thought he would at his size,” said fellow defensive tackle Joey Slackman. “I don’t see why a team wouldn’t give him a chance. He’s a football player through and through; I would want that guy on my team.”
Watson pressed 225 pounds an impressive 36 times, beating any bench-press performance at this year’s NFL combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 5.93 seconds and recorded a 25-inch vertical jump.
He looked winded during position drills, not surprising since Florida only had four defensive linemen in the rotation. But his size and strength, particularly his weight, were evident during what could be the most important day of his career.
“Dez, obviously, he’s a unicorn,” said Gators coach Billy Napier. “You’ll go the rest of your career and never meet a guy like him. And then you get to know Dez. He’s extremely intelligent. He’s got a great sense of humor. He was a great teammate.
“He showed up in good shape today, so he’ll get his shot, and I’m hoping he’ll make the most of it.”
Watson’s weight was as surprising as his bench press. He was listed at 449 pounds last season, up from 435 pounds as a junior and 415 pounds as a sophomore. He’s had to manage his weight since he first arrived at Florida in 2021 when then-coach Dan Mullen described him as “a 385-pound athlete.”
Billy Napier watches the players participate in the drills“He’s had numerous nutritionists, numerous position coaches, numerous strength coaches, and I think this past year we probably executed the best we have,” Napier said. “And I thought he played his best football of his career. In general, I think he’s learned a lot about habit-building, self-discipline.
“The guy’s frame would indicate that he’s going to be huge — that number’s always going to be pretty big. He’s 6-foot-6, and just the density, the bone structure. It’s just a big man.”
Watson never missed a game during his four years at Florida. His highlights were rare, but he had a few standout moments, like tossing South Florida running back Brian Battie in 2022 and forcing a fumble against South Carolina, which he later returned for a score, possibly even a touchdown if not for a missed open-field tackle by quarterback Spencer Rattler.
Watson, the ultimate space-eater, ended his college career with 63 tackles and 1½ sacks. He also ran for a 1-yard gain and even played fullback for a few plays against Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl in December.
“Dez is a really talented, athletic guy,” said Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges. “We all know that. We all see it.”
But will it be enough for an NFL team to draft him? The heaviest players ever selected in the NFL draft weighed 380 pounds: offensive linemen Trent Brown (Florida, 2015) and Daniel Faalele (Minnesota, 2022). Watson exceeds them by nearly 100 pounds.
“Dez came out here and really shocked a lot of scouts, especially when he ran his 40,” said defensive tackle Cam Jackson. “I feel like he shocked a lot of people. A lot of big guys can’t move the way Dez can move.
“He’s working to get the weight down. I feel like a team is going to take a shot on him. If I was them, I would. You don’t find too many nose tackles moving like him. Dez is a big, disruptive guy, and he puts in the work.”
