Desmond Watson Hurdle Doesn’t Sound To Large
May 22nd, 2025
Todd Bowles talks about his giant Gator, undrafted defensive tackle Desmond Watson.
First he was 464 pounds seven weeks ago at the Florida Gators pro day, and then weight started to come off and the smile came out with a new Buccaneers contract in hand.
Buccaneers rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson has been with the team four weeks and it sounds like head coach Todd Bowles is intrigued.
Speaking today on WFLA-TV’s Rooted In Progress show, Bowles sounded like Watson doesn’t have a uniquely mammoth task to make the Tampa Bay roster.
“We saw the potential, because he can come off the ball,” Bowles said. “It’s just a matter of getting him in a little better shape and understanding and giving him a chance to compete once summer camp comes. He’s a bigger man than Vita [Vea]; we understand that. But he’s a good player. You know, he’s athletic for his size and everything else. He wants to be known as a football player and we want him to make the team as a football player.”
Some might think the elephant in the room for Watson is the reality of a 400-something pound man taking on Bucs training camp in the July swelter.
Not a concern, says Bowles.
He noted how Watson played high school ball in Tampa (Armwood) and was successful with the Gators. Bowles almost sounded like he’s more worried about non-Florida rookies than he is Watson, who he says is progressing. “Obviously, he’s in better shape,” Bowles said.
Joe was intrigued to hear Bowles’ tone when he said Watson “can come off the ball.” If his get-off is is true NFL caliber, then that almost makes Watson a high-level run stuffer before he ever takes a snap on Sundays.
It’s going to be fun to see future mattress-mover guards on NFL teams tangle with Watson in preseason games.
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:08 pm
It would be great if he works out. Can spell vita and then be long term replacement.
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:15 pm
Him next to Vita on the goal line is the answer to the Tush Push!!
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:19 pm
Any idea what his weight is now? Hopefully less than 437?
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:19 pm
Since we don’t have any other XXXL DTs other than Vea on the roster – it seems to me that Watson has a clearer path to making the team (or at least the practice squad) than most any other UDFA rookie….
Watson and UDFA Jake Majors – the Center form Texas both have a good chance of making the team in some capacity….
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:26 pm
What I really want is a camera over the scale like you watch trail cam footage.
Just set an alarm when it reaches 400lbs and then I’ll be intrigued.
I watched him play as a Gators fan and he DOES NOT have a quick Get Off.
I wouldn’t even call it a Get Off.
More like a Stand Up.
Get Off should really be reserved for something entirely different when he is concerned.
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:31 pm
Perhaps he can run in a TD like the Fridge did for the Bears in the SB.
Oh wait, never mind.
Bowles will never get to a SB as a HC.
Carry on.
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:40 pm
Not making the team. Fun story, but not happening
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:42 pm
I’ll believe it when I see it 🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:50 pm
Gotta cheer for this beast. Would be so good for all concerned if he can make the team.
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:55 pm
Really, I wouldn’t count him out yet. A longshot, sure. Was under 6 seconds 40 yard dash at 464 pounds. That’s downright scary. He knocks off some more lbs. and has professional training we will get a better look at his heart. That’s the muscle that is gonna have to be the strongest.
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:55 pm
Line him up vs WR…it will take them 5 seconds to get around him…
May 22nd, 2025 at 4:01 pm
At least those training camp mattress moving guards will think they’re in hog heaven when they get back to moving mattresses!
May 22nd, 2025 at 4:04 pm
Two
To
Too
May 22nd, 2025 at 4:13 pm
I hate the fans on here it’s depressing no one here says anything good about our players undrafted or actual picks when I first started reading on this site it was cool but didn’t know if people are buccaneers fan or Brady /gronk fans but still was a lil better …..now it doesn’t matter it’s troll after troll for the HC GM PLAYERS ASSISTANT COACHES THE FIELD THE GAME doesn’t matter just don’t feel like a KREWE fan base love the articles but not to much the fans anymore it’s low key toxic
May 22nd, 2025 at 4:25 pm
Honestly, if he can get below 400, he has a good chance to make the team. If he gets below 380 he can return punts. lol.
May 22nd, 2025 at 4:47 pm
Keep him on practice squad until playoffs then use him against Philly.
May 22nd, 2025 at 5:09 pm
Imagine Reddick comes back to form and YaYa breaks out. Then put Vita Watson and Kancey in the middle. That would be an awesome front.
May 22nd, 2025 at 5:11 pm
Not trolling, The odds of an undrafted player (even a 7th rounder) making the team, especially on a playoff team that drafts as good as the bucs, is very little.
Add to that an out of shape DT trying to get into NFL condition, I would be surprised if he even makes the practice team
May 22nd, 2025 at 5:19 pm
Really Says:
May 22nd, 2025 at 5:11 pm
Not trolling, The odds of an undrafted player (even a 7th rounder) making the team, especially on a playoff team that drafts as good as the bucs, is very little.
___________________________________________________
Let me introduce you to my little friend: His name is Christian Idzien!
May 22nd, 2025 at 5:23 pm
Also:
Christian Izien (CB): Izien made the 53-man roster and played in the 2023 and 24 season.
Rakim Jarrett (WR): Jarrett also made the 53-man roster and saw playing time.
Derrek Pitts (CB): Pitts also made the 53-man roster.
Sean Tucker (RB): Tucker was also signed and made the 53-man roster.
Markees Watts (OLB): Watts was signed and also made the 53-man roster.
Kaevon Merriweather (S): Merriweather was signed and made the 53-man roster.
May 22nd, 2025 at 5:45 pm
You all got it backwards…have him GAIN weight! 700lb wall on goal line stops and conversely for Baker to sneak behind! If ur gonna be a niche player be a gigantic one!
May 22nd, 2025 at 5:55 pm
Kids vertical was over 25″…. At 460 lbs. Wtf? 😳
He’s got a good attitude and seems to know he has a lot of work to do.
Got to root for him even if statistically he’s a long shot – bros trying to reach his dream 👍🏼
May 22nd, 2025 at 5:56 pm
He will make the team as a practice squad player. He will be activated for week 4 vs Philly. If he does well then a Dallas Steers, NYG or Washington Commodes might try to steal him or trade for him (maybe Licht could get a 4th or 5th rounder out of a UDFA) as a way to deal with tush push. If he does really well TB might have to permanently promote him to the active roster to protect him. With him in the center with Vea teams could be forced to go outside or pass on short yardage situations. Him and Vea could also possibly occupy 4 blockers resticting offenses and creating lanes for Kancey and edge rushers and linebackers and blitzers. Also a possible blicker on short yardage or goal line situations. He is used to Florida weather and summers. Plus he likes being in Tampa Bay. He appears to have a good attitude. This is wishful thinking but imagine the possibilities. It’s worth the risk.
May 22nd, 2025 at 6:00 pm
He’s very strong and decently quick for his size. Could be a crazy team up with Vea if he can get in shape….certainly worth checking out!
May 22nd, 2025 at 6:08 pm
I don’t think people understand he’s strong too. He benched 36 times at his Pro Day. That’s 3 reps more than anyone at the Combine.
May 22nd, 2025 at 6:23 pm
What a freaking joke. This guy doesn’t make it to training camp. “If he gets in shape….” Come on man!! All the same butt hurt geniuses who get on here throwing fits for Trask to start are the same people fluffing this guy. Gee I wonder why? I have said it many times and y’all keep proving me right. Most college football fans are dumb.
May 22nd, 2025 at 6:24 pm
i heard he’s never missed a game
May 22nd, 2025 at 6:34 pm
it takes a certain mindset to be that overweight. pretty sure its not the mindset of a professional athlete.
May 22nd, 2025 at 6:38 pm
El Hefe
I get your aggravation, it’s supposed to be Joe Bucs FAN. Not Joe Bucs hater.
But a couple of guys with multiple names just keep showing up to show their backsides.
I take comfort in the fact that NONE of the gomers have ever coached an NFL team much less been the DC of a Super Bowl winning team or the HC of 4 Division titles.
ALL coaches have issues. Todd was the only coach since Ryan to win ten games.
His .375 win % with the horrid Jets is the same as Pete Carroll. Don’t notice people ripping Carrol for that.
I judge people by their learning curve and improvement. Todd has won 3 consecutive Division Titles…his win % IMPROVED every year!!!
He went ..471….529 and last season .588!!!
Sadly the posters you allude to are actually looking more and more stupid as time goes on. They are NOT improving. But when you’re a Johnny One Note…..
May 22nd, 2025 at 7:15 pm
He has like relied on his side and seems to be coming in as highly coachable. He is going to have Charlie Strong coaching him everyday
May 22nd, 2025 at 8:07 pm
Considering how much interest from other teams Watson had prior to being signed as an undrafted free agent, I doubt the Bucs can hid him on the practice squad. Either he makes the teams as 53 or we lose him.
May 22nd, 2025 at 8:07 pm
Hey Pete,
The guy is talking about You….
You’re nothing but a negative blow hard if someone isn’t interested in your obsolete love interests.
In fact you’re a pretty sanctimonious guy. Who do you think you are hun? From what you’ve said you resemble a wrinkled up fart.
Let me guess… You’re so old that you simply Can’t see a better tomorrow. You can no longer comprehend that the rest of us are TIRED of being let down year after year after year .
The TRUTH IS that a New Direction to get us to a Super Bowl IS REQUIRED!
Infact aren’t you the guy that Demanded that we keep Dirk Koetter and NOT to bring in Bruce Arians! NOT TODD BOWLES. NO! We brought in a guy named BRUCE ARIANS!
And we WON the Super Bowl shortly after. There was a guy named “Dungy”;that just couldn’t get us there and we brought in another man that won us our 1st Super Bowl and his name was Gruden…. (At least Dungys defense was good…)
The moral of the story??? BOWLES ISN’T CAPABLE LADIES! It’s TIME for a CHANGE!
That’s NOT negative! THAT’S Positive, Forward Thinking!
And YOU GUYS WHOM BELIEVE YOU’VE GOT IT ALL FIGURED OUT , YOU BETTER WAKE UP! YOU’RE BORING THE REST OF US WHO KNOW BETTER!
Go back to sleep Pete and crawl back under your BLIND ROCK! Or WAKE UP AND SMELL THE CHANGE COMING FOR THE POSITIVE GOOD!
SUPER BOWL BABY! THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS!
May 22nd, 2025 at 8:23 pm
Let’s focus on the real elephant in the room. Every room. All day everyday….the secondary. When that gets fixed everything else will be easy the way this team is built
May 22nd, 2025 at 9:00 pm
Put him on the practice squad. With Zepbound and NFL caliber trainers he can definitely be transformed for 2026. Possibly he could contribute at end of season. Question is does NFL consider Glp1 drugs performance enhancers?
May 22nd, 2025 at 9:30 pm
*Too large