Eric Watts, EDGE, Connecticut
Size:
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 274 pounds
Arm Length: 35 3/4"
Hand Size: 9 3/4"
Accomplishments:
First Team All-Independent (2022)
“Eric Watts is a long and strong defensive lineman who can play across the defensive line but needs to clean up his technique before he is an NFL contributor.”
Strengths:
Strength
Length
Versatility
Concerns:
Production
Pass-rush moves
Film Analysis:
Connecticut’s Eric Watts is a veteran player who has been a key member of the Huskies' defense for the past four seasons. Watts had his best statistical season in 2022, where he was able to notch seven sacks. While his stats tailed off as a senior in 2023, he still made his presence felt.
Watts has outstanding size and length. He aligns primarily at 5-tech for the Huskies' defense, but there are instances of him rushing from outside at wide-9 as well as inside at 3-tech. As a pass rusher, Watts has a quick first step and generates good explosiveness in short areas. He is a power rusher who can convert speed to power and drive the offensive tackle back into the pocket. Watts can use his length to consistently win the inside chest of the offensive lineman which makes it very challenging for tackles to get control of him. Watts has above-average flexibility for a player his size and shows he can flatten at the top of the rush.
From a pure physicality standpoint, Watts has a lot to like. The issue with Watts is he lacks refinement as a rusher and generally just wins with quickness and power. He doesn’t display a pass-rush plan nor does he have a wide array of rush moves. If his initial rush is stymied, the rep is over. This fact has greatly hurt his production at the college level and gives doubt that he will ever develop.
In the run game, Watts is a high-effort player who makes plays late in the down. He shows good power at the point of attack and sets a firm edge. Watts must get better at disengaging from blocks as well as locating the football. Watts additionally must play with better pad level as he loses leverage at the point of attack which results in him being driven back by weaker blockers.
Overall, Watts has intriguing physical traits and there is no doubt of his potential, but he is a work in progress at this stage of the game.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Brentley Weissman
Exposures: Tennessee (2023), Boston College (2023), USF (2023)
