Cleveland Browns select Nathaniel Watson in 6th round of 2024 NFL Draft

Former Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson was selected by the TEAM with the No. 206 pick in the 6th round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Watson finished his sixth season of college football this past year. He set career highs across the board with 137 total tackles, 35 solo tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.

Over the course of his career, Watson finished with 377 total tackles, 137 solo tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 21 sacks, two interceptions, five pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.

As a member of the Class of 2018, Watson was a three-star recruit out of Maplesville (Ala.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 26 overall prospect in the state, the No. 52 EDGE in the class and the No. 703 overall prospect in the class.

What draft analysts are saying about Nathaniel Watson

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein evaluated the tape and gave his take about Watson’s prospects as pro. Going into the draft, Watson was a projected fifth round pick.

“Watson is a throwback linebacker with the size, length and demeanor to handle the physical nature of life between the tackles,” Zierlein wrote. “He plays with good diagnostic quickness and will punch and separate from most climbing blocks. Tight hips and a lack of pursuit speed seem to limit his ability to eat with solo tackles once plays flow wide or enter open space.

“There are too many bumpy moments on tape to expect him to hold up in coverage, but he’s better than average at disrupting when used as a blitzer. Watson’s size and production in impact categories are impressive, but athletic limitations could put a cap on his NFL production.”