Desmond Watson Wanted In Bucs’ Future
August 19th, 2025
It seems like No. 56 is closer to practicing.
Todd Bowles shifted course a bit and was somewhat upbeat today about the Bucs future of rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson, the former Florida Gator.
Watson hasn’t practiced all training camp because the Bucs want him at a lower weight. How much he weighs is unclear. Watson measured 6-5, 464 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. There were reports that he was down to around 430 in the spring, but whatever he weighed when reporting to Bucs training camp was unacceptable to the team.
Joe was told that like every player on the roster, Watson was given a reasonable weight range in which to report to camp. He didn’t hit the mark. So he’s not been practicing, but Watson is in meetings, traveled with the club to Pittsburgh and his seen at practices walking laps and watching drills.
Today, Bowles said a decision will be made soon on Watson and it sounds like the head coach wants him on the practice squad.
“I’d like to have some long term plans for him going forward because he’s making some progress and I feel like down the road he can help us,” Bowles said. “But we’ll have those conversations toward the end of the week.”
Joe’s rooting for Watson, but the Bucs certainly don’t need him. Depth is strong at defensive tackle. But the Bucs know the young man, and if they think he’s a worthwhile project, then that’s what the practice squad is for.
