Desmond Watson Aims to Be NFL’s Heaviest Draft Pick in History

Defensive lineman Desmond Watson is setting his sights on football history. At 464 pounds, Watson showcased his skills at the Florida Gators' NFL Pro Day on Thursday, with hopes of becoming the heaviest player ever drafted into the league. That’s not just a record—it’s a statement.

Watson’s performance has certainly turned heads. At this year's NFL Scouting Combine, he bench-pressed 225 pounds an eye-popping 36 times and ran the 40-yard dash in 5.93 seconds. His vertical leap reached 25 inches. Not bad for a man who could single-handedly tip the scales of history.

"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." High praise indeed from a teammate who knows the grind.

Florida coach Billy Napier also chimed in, calling Watson "a unicorn." He added, "You’ll go the rest of your career, and you’ll never be around a guy of that stature. And then you get to know Dez. He’s extremely intelligent, has a great sense of humor, and was a great teammate." Napier also noted Watson’s progress in shaping up for his Pro Day, calling it a testament to his discipline.

Watson’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. When he first stepped foot on campus in 2021, he was already a whopping 385 pounds. Over the years, his weight climbed—415 pounds as a sophomore, 435 pounds as a junior, and 449 pounds last season. Managing his weight has been a constant struggle, involving numerous nutritionists, strength coaches, and position trainers. But Napier believes Watson has made significant strides in self-discipline and habit-building, calling his senior year some of his best football to date.

"Ultimately, the guy’s frame score would indicate that he’s going to be huge," Napier remarked. "He’s 6-foot-6 with a density and bone structure that’s just massive. It’s a big man, period." No arguments there!

During his four seasons with the Gators, Watson proved to be a reliable presence, never missing a game. While his highlight reel may not be overflowing, there are moments that stand out. In 2022, he manhandled South Florida running back Brian Battie and forced a fumble from South Carolina’s Jaheim Bell, nearly scoring a touchdown if not for quarterback Spencer Rattler’s open-field tackle. Watson wrapped up his collegiate career with 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

If drafted, Watson would dethrone Trent Brown and Daniel Faalele, the current heaviest NFL draft picks at 380 pounds. Whether or not Watson makes history next month, one thing is clear—he’s already left an indelible mark on football lore.