The 2024 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson plans on taking full advantage. Watson recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Watson also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, playing the physical linebacker position, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Watson better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Nathaniel Watson: I had a great reaction. I was very excited. I had already accepted an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl at that point. I received the Reese’s Senior Bowl invite, and we’ve had many players at Mississippi State play in the Senior Bowl throughout the years. I decided to play in the Senior Bowl.
JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Nathaniel Watson: My former teammates definitely influenced me. So many Mississippi State players have come through the Senior Bowl as of late. And with me being from Alabama, I grew up watching the Senior Bowl. Being able to participate this year means a lot to me.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Nathaniel Watson: I want to prove that I’m a hard-working football player first and foremost. I’m somebody that needs to be on their big board. I’m a player that’s worth drafting. I’m bringing a lot of energy to the table. I hope they keep their eyes on me.
JM: How would you describe your skill set in your own words? Self-scout yourself.
Nathaniel Watson: I’d say I’m a three-down linebacker. I can cover, defend the run, and rush the passer. I’m a versatile linebacker prospect who can do a little bit of everything. I play fast and physical.
JM: Playing in coverage is so important in today’s league. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL linebacker, who would you choose and why?
Nathaniel Watson: That’s a tough question. I’d probably choose Fred Warner. My game isn’t there yet, but we have some comparables. I love the way he plays the game. He’s a field general. This past season especially, I watched a lot of Fred Warner film. I watched his game and tried to apply his techniques to my game. I would say Fred Warner.
JM: You’ve recorded 100-plus tackles in back-to-back seasons. You have 35 career tackles for loss. You had 10 sacks this year and 21 sacks total. What is it about your game that allows you to always be around the ball?
Nathaniel Watson: I just pride myself on getting to the football. Like I told the guys at Mississippi State, I’m all about making money plays. Getting sacks, impacting the backfield, getting to the ball, those are the money plays. The ball is the money. You have to get your money. I get a bag every single game (laughs). I’m getting to the ball.
JM: What’s on Nathaniel Watson’s pre-game playlist?
Nathaniel Watson: My pregame playlist? I listen to a little bit of everything. I have a few different genres on there, slow and fast songs. I love the upbeat songs. My go-to artists are Rod Wave, Moneybagg Yo, and NBA Youngboy. I listen to a song my girlfriend put me on. It’s called “Unwritten.” I don't remember the artist.
JM: At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Nathaniel Watson?
Nathaniel Watson: A successful Senior Bowl means I received great feedback from the coaches in attendance. It means I did everything I was asked to do. I played to my capabilities. Hopefully, I turn some heads throughout the showcase. If I do that, I’ll feel great leaving with my head held high.
