Browns NFL Draft Profile: Nathaniel Watson

The Browns selected Watson in the 6th round on Saturday

The Cleveland Browns selected Mississippi State Linebacker Nathaniel Watson with the 206th overall pick in the 6th round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The team added much-needed depth at the linebacker position in Nathaniel Watson, and he has the potential to develop into a solid rotational or sub-package option within a year or two. His unique pass-rushing ability gives the team versatility at the second level of the defense, as well as a solid “headhunter” on special teams.

Name

Nathaniel Watson

Position

Linebacker

Height/Weight

6’2.2”, 233 pounds

College

Mississippi State University

Stats

2023: 12 games- 137 tackles, 13 TFL, 10 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles

Overall: 50 games – 377 tackles, 35 TFL, 21 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles

Relative Athletic Score

“Big Board” ranking at time of publishing

211th

What experts are saying

“Watson is a throwback linebacker with the size, length and demeanor to handle the physical nature of life between the tackles. He plays with good diagnostic quickness and will punch and separate from most climbing blocks. Tight hips and a lack of pursuit speed seem to limit his ability to eat with solo tackles once plays flow wide or enter open space. There are too many bumpy moments on tape to expect him to hold up in coverage, but he’s better than average at disrupting when used as a blitzer. Watson’s size and production in impact categories are impressive, but athletic limitations could put a cap on his NFL production.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL Draft Analyst

“Nathaniel Watson is a highly productive linebacker who had 250 total tackles over the last two seasons combined. He also has an old-school mentality as a run defender, showing a willingness to throw his body around and be physical when coming downhill.” – Matt Holder, B/R

“Nathaniel Watson is a highly productive off-ball linebacker who has good size and length but is just an average overall athlete with limited speed and quickness to make plays at the NFL level.” – Brentley Weismann, TDN Scout

Pros

• Incredibly productive in college
• Exceptional pass rusher from multiple spots
• Great upper-body strength at the POA
• One of the better pure tacklers in this year’s LB class
• Can play multiple spots on special teams
• Strong stack-n-shedder with heavy hands

Cons

• Tight hips
• Not great in certain types of coverages
• Limited athlete

Browns player drafting will impact in 2024

Charlie Thomas III. There’s a chance that Nathaniel Thomas challenges multiple players for one of the last spots in the linebacker room heading into the 2024 season.

Charlie Thomas III showed some promise in 2023 as a special teamer but Nathaniel Thomas is more of a “complete” linebacker in general. His run-stopping prowess and pass-rush ability could give him a leg up in the competition for the team’s 5th or 6th linebacker spot.

What are your thoughts on Nathaniel Thomas? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.