Desmond Watson
Career Summary
Desmond Watson is a defensive lineman from Plant City, Florida, who played for the Florida Gators before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2025.
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Early Life
Watson is from Plant City, Florida.
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High School
Watson attended Armwood High School, where he earned 2019 Florida 7A all-state second-team honors after recording 65 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and three pass breakups as a junior.
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College Career
Watson played in every game for Florida from 2021 through 2024 and never missed a game in his Gators career. He appeared in all 13 games in 2024 and recorded 20 tackles, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
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Path to the NFL
The Buccaneers signed Watson as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2025 following his Florida career.
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NFL Career
Watson joined Tampa Bay as a 2025 undrafted rookie. The Buccaneers released him from the practice squad in November 2025.
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Career Accomplishments
Watson started 10 games as a sophomore in 2022. In the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl, he carried the ball for a one-yard first down in Florida's victory.
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Playing Style
Watson played as a powerful interior defensive lineman. Florida described him as a big interior presence able to push the pocket and stop the run.
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Sources for this section
31114, 00-0040428, 2003-01-05, Desmond Watson, Desmond, Watson
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