Desmond Watson, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' new defensive tackle, has become a notable figure even before stepping foot on the field. Weighing in at 437 pounds, after shedding 27 pounds from his college days, he stands at an impressive 6-6. While his journey as an undrafted free agent may pose challenges for making the final roster, his size is noteworthy, especially alongside the Buccaneers’ two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Vita Vea.

Despite his imposing stature, questions linger about Watson's consistency in controlling blockers and his performance in pass-rush scenarios. NFL experts recognize his ability to occupy double-teams and shed blocks, but he must prioritize managing his weight for long-term success. With the support of veterans like Vea, Watson hopes to leverage his skills as he navigates rookie minicamp and prepares for the upcoming season.

Desmond Watson, a former Florida Gators defensive lineman, has made headlines after impressing during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rookie minicamp. Standing at an astonishing six-foot-six and weighing in at 437 pounds, he officially claims the title of the heaviest player in the NFL. A viral video of his warm-up showcased his extraordinary size and athleticism, setting him apart even among other hefty linemen.

In his four seasons at Florida, Watson proved his worth by dominating the defensive line, tallying 32 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a sack in his senior year. His potential caught the eye of the Buccaneers, who signed him as an undrafted free agent. As he embarks on this new chapter, questions loom regarding his ability to keep pace with the speed of the NFL game and maintain conditioning at his size. If Tampa Bay can harness Watson's unique skill set, he may emerge as one of the most compelling stories in the league.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' nose tackle Vita Vea stands out in today's NFL with his unique combination of size and skill. Coming off a career-high of seven sacks last season and being a two-time Pro Bowler, he leads a Buccaneers defense looking to improve its ranking. The team recently signed undrafted free agent Desmond Watson, a massive defensive tackle weighing 420 pounds, who expressed a strong desire to join the Buccaneers, his hometown team. Watson views Vea as a mentor and is excited about the opportunity to learn from him.

Watson is currently working on trimming down his weight and integrating into the Buccaneers' defensive scheme. His considerable size could provide a complementary presence alongside Vea, potentially bolstering the team's defensive strategy to move up from their 18th-ranked defense last season. The Buccaneers are hopeful that Watson's development under Vea's guidance will enhance their overall performance this season.

During the 2025 NFL Draft, seven former Florida Gators players transitioned to professional football, notably Desmond Watson, the massive defensive tackle who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Watson, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 464 pounds, gained attention for his impressive mobility and agility, earning him the nickname 'a house on wheels.' His performance at Florida included a standout season in 2022, recording 25 tackles and a forced fumble. As he joins the Buccaneers, Watson will contend for a position in a defensive line that has already seen success against the run.

Watson's addition comes at a crucial time for Tampa Bay, which struggled defensively last season. His unique size and skill set could provide a dynamic edge, complementing established players like Vita Vea. The team will look to improve upon their defensive statistics, particularly in light of their underwhelming performance in allowing points per game. Watson's ability to stay in shape will be key as he integrates into a front seven that ranked highly against rushing attacks.

Desmond Watson, weighing in at an astonishing 464 pounds during his Pro Day, is on a weight-loss journey to secure a spot on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster. At 6-5, he was set to become the heaviest player in NFL history, but the Buccaneers have taken a chance on him post-draft.

Since his Pro Day, Watson has shown impressive commitment, shedding 27 pounds and reporting a current weight of 437. He emphasizes the importance of losing weight to succeed in the league while aiming to quash any doubts about his athleticism.