Desmond Watson, the 464-pound defensive tackle from Florida, could become the heaviest player in the league if he’s picked in the 2025 NFL Draft.
He grabbed everyone’s attention after an impressive performance at Florida’s Pro Day on March 27. He showed off a solid 40-yard dash, a 25-inch vertical jump, and even broke records on the leg press. But with Watson’s weight being well above that of the current heaviest NFL players, which sit closer to 380 lbs, there’s a chance he might be asked to drop some pounds if he gets picked.
The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly showing interest ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, and Watson has shared his thoughts on weight, fitness, and which team he could see himself joining.
Desmond Watson could try to lose weight in the NFL
Desmond Watson admitted that losing some weight could help him improve his performance. In an interview with Nightcap Show, he said that while he’s not setting any weight loss goals just yet, he understands the benefits.
“That’s not really a worry of mine, but at the same time I know… I guess the lighter I get, the more I can dominate,” Desmond Watson said. “I think losing weight definitely puts me in a better spot. I can play, but at the same time I want to do something if I get there, so I think being lighter will help me.”
Many heavy players in the NFL manage to play at around 380 pounds, which is still big but more manageable. That means Watson wouldn’t need to lose a huge amount, just enough to stay mobile and effective on the field without drastically changing his body type.
Desmond Watson’s projected draft pick
It’s unclear which team wants to draft Desmond Watson. Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson pitched him as a good fit for the team.