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Nathaniel Watson
LB · SR · Mississippi State Bulldogs

Nathaniel Watson

LB SR Mississippi State
About Watson Updated Jun 20, 2026

A high-motor, production-heavy linebacker with NFL-ready tackling instincts

Watson built his case on steady, high-volume production at Mississippi State, finishing his college career with 379 tackles, 21 sacks and three forced fumbles while earning All-SEC recognition. He stands out as a physical inside linebacker who plays with urgency, attacks downhill, and brings real pass-rush value for the position, not just run-stopping chops. The main caveat is NFL refinement: he entered the pros as a sixth-round pick, so the fit is best for teams valuing toughness, effort, and disruptive instincts over elite athletic flash.

Decision DECLARED
Nathaniel Watson declared for the 2024 NFL Draft October 30, 2026

Schedule

DNA

Updated Oct 19, 2026
Watson National linebacker Average
Tackling
97th percentile; Full confidence; 12 games
Pass Rush
99th percentile; Full confidence; 12 games
Disruption
~99th percentile; Full confidence; 12 games / 12 PBP
Coverage
73rd percentile; Full confidence; 12 games
Ball Hawk
86th percentile; Full confidence; 12 games
Turnover Creator
~98th percentile; Thin sample; 12 games / 0 PBP
Playmaker
69th percentile; Full confidence; 12 games
Production
98th percentile; Full confidence; 12 games / 12 PBP
Consistency
84th percentile; Full confidence; 12 games

Stats

2023

Percentile among FBS LBs — a longer bar ranks higher

137
Tackles
8th of 1,287 LBs
35
Solo Tackles
162nd of 1,287 LBs
102
Assisted Tackles
2nd of 1,287 LBs
10
Sacks
3rd of 1,287 LBs
72
Sack Yards
6th of 1,287 LBs
2
Passes Defended
99th of 1,287 LBs
1
Interceptions
39th of 189 LBs
2
Fumble Recoveries
9th of 225 LBs
Career Stats
SEASONSCHOOL
202312137351021012
2022131135162610
2021128333505-1
2020113915240-1
201972110-0
201823210-0

Fan Score

— Fan Score
Watson's Fan Score is building.

Voting opens when a score is available.