- Heaviest undrafted free agent in NFL history at 464 pounds
- Record-breaking 36 reps of 225 lbs bench press
- $50k guaranteed contract with hometown Buccaneers
- Four-year Florida starter with 63 career tackles
In an unprecedented move for modern football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed local product Desmond Watson – a human mountain of defensive potential tipping scales at 464 pounds. The Plant City native becomes the heaviest undrafted free agent ever to secure an NFL contract, outperforming combine athletes with raw power that left scouts buzzing.
Watson's journey defies conventional athletic wisdom. The defensive tackle added nearly 50 pounds during his college career at Florida, peaking at a staggering 464 pounds while maintaining surprising agility. His viral combine performance – including bench pressing 225 pounds 36 times – surpassed every defensive lineman at this year's official NFL Scouting Combine.
Nutritionists and coaches have tracked Watson's unique physiology since his freshman year. His bone density and frame could support an NFL offensive line by itself,said Florida coach Billy Napier. The Bucs' gamble reflects growing league tolerance for extreme-sized run stoppers – 23 defensive tackles over 330 pounds were drafted in 2024, up from 14 in 2019.
Tampa Bay's regional scouting team identified Watson as a potential red-zone specialist. His 2022 forced fumble against South Carolina demonstrated rare pursuit speed for a 450+ pound athlete. Local analysts suggest Watson could replicate Baltimore's 2019 success with 380-pound DT Brandon Williams in short-yardage situations.
Three unique factors make Watson's signing noteworthy: 1) Modern training enables sustainable mass management 2) NFC South teams averaged 4.3 yards per carry in 2023 3) Florida produces 18% of NFL defensive linemen. His success could redefine size thresholds for undrafted prospects.
Watson faces immediate challenges – NFL conditioning tests require consecutive 100-yard sprints. But with Tampa's veteran defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers specializing in power players, the 6'6tackle might carve a niche. As Napier concluded: When Dez engulfs a ball carrier, it's like watching an oak tree fall on a golf cart.