Nathaniel Watson 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Three-star recruit
• Uncle, Harold Marrow, played collegiate and professional football

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: 3-3-5
• 2022 projected role: Starting MIKE LB

Pros: The first noticeable thing about Nathaniel Watson was his leadership on the field. He communicates assignments to his teammates and makes sure they are aligned properly. Watson moved around the defensive front, even playing as a walk-up linebacker to rush the passer. He has solid coverage ability as a spot dropper due to his ability to trigger on routes entering his zone. Watson is an energetic and emotional defender. He offers special teams value too

Cons: As a MIKE linebacker, Nathaniel Watson does not take on blocks well. Downhill runs that are covered by a lead blocker or climbing OL force him out of his gap. Processing information quickly is not a strong suit of his game. He looks slow on tape when diagnosing run versus the pass. He’s not an ideal candidate for man coverage duties versus tight ends or running backs.

Nathaniel Watson NFL Draft Scouting Report by Damian Parson