Draft pundits typically say a player is “the first guy you want off the bus” to describe a large player in the trenches. You generally use that with big, physically imposing players who might intimidate the opposition.

That saying might perfectly describe Desmond Watson, a sleeper in this year’s draft. He’s someone who I think might intrigue the Green Bay Packers as a late-round addition or a UDFA as soon as the draft concludes.

Watson is a defensive tackle from the University of Florida who measured 6’6”, 464 lbs. at Florida’s pro day.

Not only is he the biggest player in this year’s draft, but if a team drafts or signs him, he would be the biggest player in the NFL.

Despite his unique size, Watson was not invited to February’s combine in Indianapolis. Instead, he had to try to catch scouts’ attention at his pro day.

Using the numbers Watson posted there, if were invited to the combine, he would have posted the best bench press numbers out of anyone who attended. He finished his pro day with 36 reps of 225 lbs., a 6’10” broad jump, a 25” vertical leap, and a 5.93 40-yard dash.

Despite his massive frame and impressive strength-testing numbers, Watson didn’t rack up stats on Florida’s defense during his four years in Gainesville.

As a nose tackle, he only recorded 1.5 sacks and 63 tackles, with four for loss in his college career.

He also didn’t miss a game in four years.

Watson didn’t just play defense, though.

Florida used him in some fun, unconventional ways. During the Gators Bowl game against Tulane, they lined Watson up as a fullback and gave him a carry.

As you can see in the clip below, he picked up the first down in a short-yardage situation out of shotgun.

With his size and 5.93-second speed, it’s unlikely teams will use him like that at the next level. It is a fun idea, though.

Assuming the league doesn’t outlaw the tush push, it might be a unique spin on it if the right offensive mind gets ahold of him.

If the play gets banned, maybe a team like the Packers could line up big ol’ Desmond Watson under center to get them a yard. I doubt he would need anyone behind him to push at his size.

Matt Lafleur has never had a player like Watson at his disposal.

If a team takes a chance on him either late in the draft or as an undrafted free agent, they will likely ask him to lose some weight.

I don’t think being over 450 lbs. is sustainable for a professional athlete. It sounds like he expects that and is already slimming down.

Watson spoke about losing weight on a recent podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson.

I think losing weight, you know, definitely put me in a better spot for sure. But I think, you know, I can play, but at the same time, I want to do something if I get there.

So, I think being lighter helps me.

Watson steadily gained weight throughout his college career.

He weighed 415 lbs. when he walked onto campus as a freshman and ballooned to 449 as a senior last year.

We have seen former players struggle with weight, notably former defensive tackle and Green Bay Packers Hall of Farmer Gilbert Brown.

He originally entered the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings, but they waived him due to his increasing weight. The Packers picked him up, and he weighed as much as 375 lbs. in Green Bay. It was a constant struggle, but Brown found a way to contribute. Hopefully, Watson also can within the structure of an NFL system.

I would love the Packers to take a flier on Watson. He isn’t going to generate pass rush, and that’s Green Bay’s biggest need going into the draft.

However, they lost their best run defender, T.J. Slaton, when he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.

Slaton was a big reason the Packers finished fifth in run defense last season, and they will feel his absence. You would think Kenny Clark playing more nose — and hopefully playing better than a season ago — will help, but they can’t let their run defense suffer in their pursuit of a better pass rush.

Watson could be a low-risk, high-reward type of addition if he can come in and play on clear running downs and soak up some of those double teams that Clark so often faces.

Pro Football Focus gave him grades over 80 as a run defender in 2022 and 2024. That’s where he will make his mark at the NFL level.

The Packers have an extra pick this year, thanks to the compensatory pick awarded for the departure of Yosh Nijman last year, and they could use it to take a chance on Watson.

A consensus undrafted player, Watson will likely be available at pick 250, where that selection falls. If they can address their needs in the first six rounds, then I’m all in on the Desmond Watson era in Green Bay.