Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie Desmond Watson: The Tush Push Terminator?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have found an intriguing solution to a problem plaguing NFL defenses: the Philadelphia Eagles’ highly effective "tush push" play. That solution could come in the form of an undrafted rookie defensive lineman, Desmond Watson.

Watson, a massive presence at 6-foot-6, initially weighed in at a staggering 464 pounds. If drafted, he would have entered the NFL record books as the heaviest player ever selected. Instead, the Buccaneers pounced, signing him as one of their 15 undrafted free agents.

His sheer size and ability to clog the line of scrimmage have earned him the moniker "the tush push terminator." The Buccaneers coaching staff were impressed with his performance at the team’s rookie minicamp, and the buzz around Watson is growing.

Recognizing the demands of the NFL, Watson has already begun shedding weight, clocking in at 437 pounds for minicamp. Prior to the draft, he acknowledged the need to slim down to achieve his NFL dream. Watson pinpointed a key reason for his weight gain during his time with the Florida Gators: frequent stops for food while driving.

"My biggest thing is keep going, get to where I need to get," Watson explained when asked about breaking bad habits. "There are stores and a lot of temptations. That’s helped me immensely: Don’t go inside the gas station. Pay at the pump. Because inside, it’s snacks and all types of things like that. Don’t pull over. If you’re on the highway, stay on the highway until you get where you’ve got to go."

Last season, the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive tackle Daniel Faalele held the title of the NFL’s heaviest player at 6-foot-8 and 380 pounds. While an official record remains elusive, many consider former Chicago Bears tackle Aaron Gibson, who tipped the scales at 410 pounds during his career from 1999-2004, as the heaviest player in NFL history.

Watson is now focusing on improving his diet, particularly his snacking habits. He is now snacking on peanuts and almonds. He is also changing his main meals as well.

If Watson makes the Buccaneers’ final roster, he would join what could be a dominant defensive interior. He looks up to Vita Vea, who he wants to emulate in the NFL.

Vea, a formidable force at 347 pounds, combines size and athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses. His ability to penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays makes him a nightmare for quarterbacks and running backs alike.

While Watson may not possess Vea’s athleticism, he demonstrates impressive mobility for his size. During Florida’s pro day, he reportedly would have set an NFL Combine record with 36 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press.

The "tush push" play, which involves the quarterback being pushed forward by teammates from behind, has become a controversial topic. NFL owners are expected to discuss a potential ban on the play this offseason.

If the Buccaneers can pair Watson with Vea on the defensive line, it could provide the antidote defenses need to stop the play. Other teams are trying to replicate the play that the Eagles run so well.

Watson is also eager to play for his hometown team. He hails from Plant City, located east of Tampa, making the prospect of playing for the Buccaneers even more special.

The addition of Desmond Watson brings intrigue to the Buccaneers’ defensive plans. Whether he becomes a dominant force or simply a rotational player remains to be seen. His unique size and potential ability to disrupt the "tush push" make him a player to watch as he battles for a roster spot. The Buccaneers hope he can develop into the player they believe he can be. His work ethic combined with his size gives him a chance to play for a long time in the NFL.