Nathaniel Watson
Position: LB
Jersey #: 40
Date of Birth: September 1, 2000
Height / Weight: 6'0" / 233 lbs
College: Mississippi State
Drafted: Round , Pick 206 in 2024 by CLE
First Team: CLE (2024)
Last Team: CLE (2026)
Career Summary
Mississippi State linebacker.
Nathaniel Watson played linebacker at Mississippi State, appearing in 57 career games with 39 starts.
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College Career
SEC-leading production in 2023.
Watson started all 12 games in 2023 and led the SEC with 137 tackles and 10 sacks. He made 21 tackles in each of his final two games, against Southern Miss and Ole Miss.
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Career Accomplishments
SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
The Associated Press named Watson the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He also earned first-team All-SEC recognition and finished his college career with 379 tackles and 21 sacks.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
30293, 00-0039406, 2000-09-01, Nathaniel Watson, Nathaniel, Watson
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
#388Linebackers
MFT Score: 0.0
2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.