In the 2025 NFL Draft, defensive tackle Desmond Watson is a prospect to watch.
This young man is the ultimate run-stopping defensive tackle, which is exactly what this defense has been missing for several years.
The defense currently has a great pass-rushing tackle in Osa Odighizuwa and a solid veteran in Solomon Thomas, but Thomas is getting older and should see limited snaps.
That leaves the defensive front with one glaring need: stopping the run. Mazi Smith could have a breakout year in year three, but some insurance would be nice.
Desmond Watson’s The Immovable Object
One thing that pops out with Desmond Watson on tape is that he rarely gets moved backward.
Desmond Watson is a big fat run stopper who simply CAN’T BE MOVED.
6’6, 464lbs(‼️) with an 83” wingspan and a 5.95 40 yard dash.
I have a hard time believing nobody takes a chance on him on day 3. The ultimate gap plugger with highlight potential. pic.twitter.com/aap9ypI2al
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 15, 2025
He stops opposing blockers in their tracks and, in most cases, works them into the backfield.
His overwhelming size and strength create pressure in the backfield against the run, and he collapses the pocket with sheer force.
Watson could be the premier run-stopping defensive tackle in this class, but he is being overlooked due to his massive size and conditioning concerns.
Conditioning concerns aside, this young man is a run-stopping monster at the nose tackle position.
According to PFF.com’s premium statistics, Watson has graded out in run defense with a 72.5 over four years at Florida. Last year and in 2022, he graded out with 80.4 and 80.9, respectively.
Desmond Watson’s Weight Issues and Confronting His Problem
Desmond Watson started his collegiate career weighing in at 385 lbs, but that ballooned to 464 lbs.
He stands 6’6″tall, but that is still too much weight to carry to be a significant threat in the NFL.
He has come to terms with this problem and sees his weight issues as an addiction to snack foods and other unhealthy foods.
Even at this size, Desmond Watson is a great athlete.
He had a vertical leap of 25 inches, outperforming some defensive tackles in this draft class who weigh much less.
25” vertical for 464-pound Florida DT Desmond Watson. pic.twitter.com/SMyjX2SBtc
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) March 27, 2025
In the bench press, he completed 36 repetitions at 225 pounds, which is three more reps than any of the 300-plus participants at the NFL Combine workouts.
These numbers stand out for a player his size, but he has said the issue is not stopping while driving and getting snacks.
He shared this with Fox Sports:
“Stopping while driving,” Watson said when asked about bad habits he’s tried to shed. “My biggest thing is keep going, get to where I need to get. There are stores and a lot of temptations. That’s helped me immensely: Don’t go inside the gas station. Pay at the pump. Because inside, it’s snacks and all types of things like that. Don’t pull over. If you’re on the highway, stay on the highway until you get where you’ve got to go.”
He completely understands the problem and is working on correcting the issue.
If he can lose weight, he could be a freak athlete at defensive tackle.
The Cowboys Can Use a Late Round Pick
Desmond Watson is not going to go early in the NFL Draft.
He is currently listed as a priority free agent, so the Cowboys may not need to spend a draft pick, but securing his services with a late-round pick could be the smart move.
According to NFL.com, Watson is an average backup or special teamer, but if he can control his weight, he could be more.
The Dallas Cowboys currently have some late-round picks to use, and a player with this type of size and athleticism does not come around very often.
If the Cowboys’ defensive coaching staff is able to harness his weight and help him develop some pass rush moves, this could be a player who becomes an NFL superstar at the defensive tackle position.
Dawg: 6'6 464-pound Florida DT Desmond Watson is attempting to lose weight to improve his chances of making it in the NFL:
“It’s definitely hard. People have taught me to look at it like another addiction. It’s not drugs, but it’s addicting, whether that’s gaming, drugs,… pic.twitter.com/njRXfJM3qe
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 15, 2025
This is the ultimate boom or bust pick, but grabbing him in the 6th or 7th round would not be a major investment.
The Cowboys need help in the run-stopping portion of the defense, and Desmond Watson is a prospect to watch on day three of the draft.