First Look: Gator big man Desmond Watson in Buccaneers Gear

During his time in Gainesville, Florida Gator defensive tackle Desmond Watson was always the center of attention when he was on the field. Coming in north of 400 pounds, Watson clogged up gaps, rag-dolled ball carriers, and turned into a legit force his senior year as part of the re-surgent defensive line that Gators enjoyed the back half of 2024.

Watson went undrafted even after bench pressing 225 pounds 39 times at Pro Day, but he was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and on Friday, fans got their first glimpse of Watson in an NFL uniform.

Desmond Watson debuts at rookie minicamp

Wearing number 56, Watson was seen going through some basic warm-up drills, but it caught the eye of everyone on social media. Even the NFL's official account retweeted Logan B. Robinson's original video, calling Watson an "Absolute Unit."

The question mark for Watson when it comes to trying to make an NFL roster is whether he can make an impact for 10-15 snaps a game, particuarly on 3rd down and goal line situations.

The Bucs run a 3-4 and will have Vita Vea take the bulk of the snaps. Greg Gaines was the backup DT last year, and while he took around 20 snaps a game last year, his overall impact was minimal. The role Watson is probably trying to aim for was the one William Gholston. The 12-year veteran was on a one-year contract last year, played about 10 snaps a game, and, as of now, is still a free agent.

Watson himself signed a $50,000 contract with the Bucs, so the organization doesn't have a ton invested in him. But he is listed at 437 pounds, which is already down from 464 pounds he weighed in at during Pro Day.

Even if Watson doesn't make the 53-man roster, he should have a good chance at hanging around on a practice squad, provided his training camp isn't a complete disaster.