Nathaniel Watson LB Mississippi State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Nathaniel Watson LB Mississippi State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Last Updated: 03/25/2023 | |||||||
Draft Year: 2024 | |||||||
40 time: 4.80 seconds (25%*) | |||||||
Age: 22.6 DOB: 09/01/2000 | |||||||
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*Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance).
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Last Updated: 03/25/2023 | ||||
Draft Year: 2024 | ||||
40 time: 4.80 seconds (25%*) | ||||
Age: 22.6 DOB: 09/01/2000 | ||||
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*Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance).
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Overall Rating: |
66.0 / 100
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Game performance weighted rating | ||
Tackling: |
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90% |
Pass Rush: |
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70% |
Run Defense: |
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74% |
Coverage: |
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61% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#596
Position rank:
#45
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College Games: 40 College Snaps: 1620 | ||
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College Combine Results
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OVR Rank:
#407
Pos Rank:
#74
State Rank:
#26
College Combine Results
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Ovr Rank: #664 Pos Rank: #52 | ||
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Draft Profile: Bio
Nathaniel Watson from Maplesville High School was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 3-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, Watson joined Mississippi State.In 2018 as a freshman Watson saw action in just 2 games and played a total of 8 snaps at linebacker for the Bulldogs. He recorded only 3 tackles, no assists, while adding one stop.
As a sophomore for the Bulldogs in 2019 Watson played in 3 games and took part in 33 snaps for the Bulldogs. He recorded only 2 tackles, no assists, while adding 2 stops.
In 2020 as a junior Watson played in 11 games and contributed on 348 snaps. He recorded 22 tackles, 10 assists while making 13 stops. In coverage Watson chalked up no pass breakups, no interceptions, and QB rating when targetted of 96.9. As a pass rusher, he produced 5 total pressures, which included 2 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and no sacks on the year.
In 2021 as a senior Watson logged playing time in 12 games and logged a total of 577 snaps for the Bulldogs. He also added 50 tackles, 24 assists, and 30 stops. While in coverage Watson made no pass breakups, no interceptions, and QB rating when targetted of 109.0. As a pass rusher, he tallied 17 total pressures, which included 10 QB hurries, 2 QB hits, and 5 sacks on the season.
In 2022 as a fifth year senior Watson logged playing time in 12 games and logged a total of 654 snaps for the Bulldogs. He also added decent 66 tackles, 30 assists, and 45 stops. While in coverage Watson made no pass breakups, one interception, and QB rating when targetted of 85.6. As a pass rusher, he tallied 25 total pressures, which included 16 QB hurries, 4 QB hits, and 5 sacks on the season.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Quick to read run, showing good agility and speed to get past blockers and finish. Experienced in coverage and gets a strong jam on outside receivers.
- Flashes strength to punch or stiff-arm to get off blocks. Stays with plays downfield, often making tackles even after being hit by multiple linemen.
- Plays fast, flows with the action, showing smooth lateral agility and short-area burst. Has good instincts and awareness to quickly find the ball.
- Some teams will prefer him as a 4-3 Will, but Watson has a chance to hold up in the middle and be a good one.
- Has good balance and short-area burst to stay on his feet through contact
- Watson can move laterally and chase in pursuit. A tough, violent tackler with a non-stop motor, he also shows good awareness when dropping into coverage.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Plays too high when trying to set the edge. His motor is inconsistent.
- Gets caught with the eyes in the backfield at times. Strong backs can run through his tackle attempts if he's not in position.
- Lacks elite quickness and change-of-direction ability to handle NFL slot receivers after initial contact.
How other scouting services rate Nathaniel Watson (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
506.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
64.0