Desmond Watson would make the NFL story as the heaviest view to be taken in the draft if elected next week in Green Bay.
But the Florida Gators product knows that 464 pounds are not conducive to a long NFL career, even at 6-foot-6.
Watson was asked by Fox Sports what he did to shed weight before entering the league and he knows where to start.
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Florida Defensive Lineman Desmond Watson performs an exercise during the school’s NFL Football Pro Day 27 March 2025 in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
“Stop while driving,” Watson replied. “My biggest thing is to go on, get to the place I need to come. There are stores and a lot of temptations. It has helped me tremendous
Watson turned heads when he went to campus in Gainesville at 385 pounds in 2021. Four years later, he is about 80 pounds heavier than the current heaviest player in the NFL, Baltimore Ravens Lineman Daniel Faalele, who was performed at 380 pounds last season.
Weight loss has been somewhat bred with Gators’ program, but Watson has continued to win it since he stepped on campus.
NFL PROSPECT DESMOND WATSON TRYING TO GET GREATEST PLAYS EXPERIENCED IN THE LIGHT HISTORY
“It’s been like my same problem – not problem – but my same concern all over college,” he said. “I get more in -depth and get a better grip on the things I need to do to succeed at the next level. It’s been interesting. I’ve learned a lot about myself in this process.”
Watson said that people in his life have taught him to treat his eating habits like “another addiction.”
Florida Gators Defensive Lineman Desmond Watson (21) Tackles Tulane Green Wave Quarterback Ty Thompson (7) during the first half of Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., December 20, 2024, in 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. (Doug Angels/Gainesville Sun)
And he knows just how serious it can be.
“It’s not drugs, but it’s addictive, whether it’s games, drugs, alcohol. I think this is my vice. I’m just trying to grab it. Just as drugs can kill you, this can do the same. I’m trying to change my life.”
While Watson’s weight can be a cause of concern for NFL teams, the potential is determined there for Gators’ defensive tackle, benching 225 pounds 36 times. It would have been the highest sum of reps at the NFL scouting combination if Watson had been invited.
Florida Gator’s defense Lineman Desmond Watson goes on the field under Gator Walk at Orange and Blue Spring Football Game at Steve Spurrier Field on Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., April 13, 2024. (Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun)
Instead, he showed his power and other skills for NFL teams on Florida’s Pro Day, which included a 25-inch vertical jump and a 5.93 second 40-yard strike.
If he’s drafted, Watson is expected to go in the later rounds of Green Bay.
