Mississippi State Linebacker Nathaniel Watson Looking to Make Most of NFL Scouting Combine

INDIANAPOLIS — Nathaniel Watson sees few limits to how he could help any NFL team.

The six-year Mississippi State player's official position is linebacker but he just sees himself as an "athlete."

"I see myself as anywhere they need me to be," Watson said Wednesday at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. "I'm an athlete, I can play everything."

Watson's versatility even goes back as far as his high school career. At Maplesville High School, Watson was a star for the team at both linebacker and wide receiver. 

"I most definitely was more of an offensive player in high school," Watson said. "Coach (Joe) Moorehead (and staff), they were the ones who recruited me, they changed my mindset of (playing on) offense."

This week, Watson will have the chance to show off his skills to NFL scouts and general managers at the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. He will participate in drills Thursday afternoon.

The week in Indianapolis is far from calm or normal for draft prospects. Between interviewing with teams, going through medical examinations and the hours of preparation for drills, there's plenty of pressure on the NFL hopefuls. Through the chaos, Watson is looking to soak up the moment and make the most of the week,.

"Just taking advantage of all of the opportunities," Watson said. "You get to meet a lot of people, shake a lot of hands, it's just a blessing (of an) opportunity, just got to take full advantage of it."

If Watson is drafted by an NFL team this April, he will not be the first in his family to play in the league. His uncle Harold Morrow played in the NFL from 1996-'05 as a fullback. Morrow has been a mentor to Watson throughout the draft process.

"I talked to him when I was at Mississippi State before the draft process started," Watson said. "He just told me to keep my head high, just keep working. Dreams come true, so just keep working for it."

At Mississippi State, Watson certainly made the most of his opportunities. His production increased each of his six years with the Bulldogs, culminating to a 2023 season where his 10 sacks were tied for the most in the SEC.

"I'd most definitely say I took a jump," Watson said. "I improved every year, my goal all season was to improve on things that I saw that I had problems (with) during the season."

Watson will work out at in Indianapolis Thursday, hoping to boost his stock for the 2024 NFL Draft.