ScoutIndex

CLE CLE

Nathaniel Watson

LB

Drafted 206th overall in the 6th round of the 2024 draft, Nathaniel Watson arrived from Mississippi State. He's currently with CLE, in his 3rd season in the league.

Size

6'0", 233#

College

Mississippi State

Draft

Rd 6, 206th overall (2024)

Seasons

2024–2026

2026 ScoutIndex Rating · DEF

Methodology
34.1

12th percentile among DEFs · limited sample

2 games

Splash plays×0.15-0.34
Pass rush×0.3-0.59
Ball skills×0.25-0.61
Run defense×0.2-0.79
Availability×0.1-1.28

Career (regular season)

SeasonTmSIGPass ydsPass TDRush ydsRush TDRecRec ydsRec TD
2026CLE34.12
2024CLE36.27

Career profile

Nathaniel Watson has appeared in 9 regular-season games across 2 NFL seasons on file, all with CLE.

2026 splits

regular season

2026 game log

WkOppLineScore
Week 1JAX—40.7
Week 2TB—40.6

Nathaniel Watson — common questions

What position does Nathaniel Watson play?
Nathaniel Watson is listed as an LB.
Which teams has Nathaniel Watson played for?
In the seasons on file (1999 onward), Nathaniel Watson has played for CLE (2024–2026).
Where did Nathaniel Watson go to college?
Nathaniel Watson played college football at Mississippi State.
When was Nathaniel Watson drafted?
Nathaniel Watson was selected in round 6, 206th overall, of the 2024 NFL Draft.
How many touchdowns has Nathaniel Watson scored?
Nathaniel Watson has no rushing, receiving or passing touchdowns in the regular-season games on file.
What is Nathaniel Watson's ScoutIndex Rating?
Nathaniel Watson rated 34.1 for 2026, the 12th percentile among DEFs (provisional or limited sample). Ratings run 0–99; about 60 is a league-average qualified starter.

Related players

Top teammates, last season on file

Drafted in round 6, 2024

Also from Mississippi State