Chargers Rookie Profile: Derek Watt
The fullback position is one that has been something that the San Diego Chargers have been missing for a long time and have addressed it during this years NFL draft by picking the college teammate of Melvin Gordon in Wisconsin Derek Watt. Seeing the holes that Watt opened up for Gordon in college gives us a glimpse of hope that it can translate to the pro level.
Chargers Rookie Profile: Derek Watt
The School
Watt is a last name that is very well-known in the NFL. But the Watt that will be suiting up for the Chargers this year is not J.J. but in fact his younger brother Derek, whom played for the Wisconsin Badgers and helped Melvin Gordon earn his collegiate accolades. Born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Watt played football for Pewaukee high school in Wisconsin and was a stud, rushing for 1500 and 15 touchdowns in his senior year. Watt originally committed to play for Northwestern but later decided he wanted to play at home in front of his friends and family at Wisconsin. While in college, Watt and his Badger team won the Outback and Holiday Bowls in addition to the 2012 Big Ten Championship and 2014 Big Ten West Division title.
The Pick
San Diego selected Watt in the sixth round with the198th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of the University of Wisconsin. Watt would go on to play in 47 games, making 24 starts at fullback and earning such Honors and Awards as:
2015: Academic All-Big Ten, NFF Hampshire Honor Society
2014: Academic All-Big Ten
2013: Academic All-Big Ten
2012: Academic All-Big Ten, UW Rookie of the Year
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The Tape
Looking back at Watt’s highlights, you can see why the Chargers had plenty of interest in the bruising fullback that helped Melvin Gordon pave the way to his record setting seasons. With Watt running in front of Gordon, the Bolts will look to expand their offense and give them a more balanced look.
The Position
The fullback position is one that Chargers fans have waited a long time for the team to fill with a strong and efficient runner. If the Bolts can stay healthy, running Watt in front of Gordon could pay out big time. In 2015, the Chargers were not a scary team when it came to running and Gordon did not find the end zone at all. This year we are hoping to get Gordon that first professional touchdown and hope to keep the momentum going give Rivers an opportunity to lead the NFL in passing and keep it all year and not be bypassed by Drew Brees like last year.
Stay tuned for more rookie profiles.
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