Florida Gators Shine at NFL Pro Day in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s NFL Pro Day on March 27, 2025, turned into a showcase of talent, especially highlighting the impressive performance of defensive tackle Desmond Watson. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing a staggering 464 pounds, Watson managed to turn heads but oddly slipped away unnoticed after his workout.

Watson’s teammates and coaches praised his performance, particularly defensive tackle Joey Slackman, who commented, “He moves way better than anybody thought he would at his size. I don’t see why a team wouldn’t give him a chance.” During the drills, Watson repelled 225 pounds a remarkable 36 times, surpassing all bench-press stats from this year’s NFL combine. He clocked a 40-yard dash in 5.93 seconds and jumped 25 inches vertically, showcasing his unusual combination of size and athleticism.

Florida head coach Billy Napier described Watson as a “unicorn,” emphasizing not only his physical presence but also his intelligence and personality. “He’s extremely intelligent. He’s got a great sense of humor. He was a great teammate,” Napier said, clearly optimistic about Watson’s prospects. He recalled Watson stepping on the scale at 464 pounds, a jump from 449 pounds in the previous season, a bump that reflects his dedication to managing his weight and improving his game.

During his four seasons at Florida, Watson remained consistent, appearing in every game and collecting 63 tackles and 1½ sacks. Known for his prowess in the defensive lineup, he was particularly effective in significant moments, such as pulling off a fumble return against South Carolina.

His performance sparked discussions among NFL scouts about the possibility of making history, as the heaviest players ever drafted weighed in at 380 pounds. Watson’s unique abilities and traits have many believing that a team will take a chance on this disruptive player in the upcoming draft.

With remarks from fellow tackle Cam Jackson noting Watson’s impressive speed and agility for his size, the upcoming draft could see a surprising call for the Gators star. As many await the draft, all eyes will be on Watson to see if his impressive Pro Day translates to an opportunity in the professional leagues.