US EditionAt 464 pounds, Florida's Desmond Watson could become the heaviest draft pick in NFL history
- On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Desmond "Dez" Watson, a 6-foot-6, 464-pound defensive tackle and pro prospect from Florida, worked out in front of NFL scouts at the school's pro day in Gainesville, Florida.
- Watson, who first arrived on campus in 2021 and has been managing his weight since then, aimed to impress scouts in hopes of becoming the heaviest player ever drafted into the NFL.
- Watson's performance included repping 225 pounds 36 times, a 5.93-second 40-yard dash, and a 25-inch vertical jump, with his bench press topping all performances at the NFL combine this year; he also completed his collegiate career with 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks, never missing a game in his four seasons.
- Fellow defensive tackle Joey Slackman noted that Dez moves better than expected for his size, while Gators coach Billy Napier referred to Dez as a "unicorn," and defensive back Trikweze Bridges called him a really talented, athletic guy.
- Despite his impressive strength and the support of his coaches and teammates, it remains uncertain whether an NFL team will draft Watson, who hopes to break the record held by players like Trent Brown and Daniel Faalele, who weighed 380 pounds, and slipped away from personnel and media after his workout.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Sun-Sentinel
Orlando SentinelIf Gators’ Desmond Watson is drafted, it would be unprecedented
GAINESVILLE — His 40 time was his friend Thursday, and he absolutely blew up the bench press. Even his vertical leap seemed paradoxical in view of his girth. For all the agility nose tackle Desmond Watson brandished Thursday at the University of Florida’s pro day, he couldn’t sidestep the scale. Before lifting and leaping and sprinting, and darting around and through blocking dummies, Watson was measured for height and weight, and the morning’s …
At 464 pounds, Florida's Desmond Watson could become the heaviest draft pick in NFL history (copy)
Considering everything massive defensive tackle Desmond Watson showed during Florida’s pro day, his most impressive feat may have been escaping the practice facility without anyone noticing.
Meet Desmond Watson — the 464-pound lineman who could become heaviest player in NFL draft history
Desmond Watson, a 464-pound defensive tackle, could become the heaviest player ever drafted and in league history following his impressive performance in Florida's pro day on Thursday.
Associated Press News
At 464 pounds, Florida's Desmond Watson could become the heaviest draft pick in NFL history
Florida defensive tackle Desmond Watson tipped the scales at 464 pounds during the team's pro day. It was one of several eye-popping numbers for the 6-foot-6 pro prospect.
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