Original source (on modern site)
BEREA, Ohio -- There was a lot of talk about the Cleveland Browns adding a linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft with the departure of linebackers Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki. The team added Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush in free agency, but there was room on the roster for a linebacker to compete for playing time or to add to special teams. The Browns added a linebacker, who had a lot of production in college at the highest level, but the was available to the Browns in the sixth-round (No. 206 overall). Browns area scout Matt Donahoe was asked why? "That's a good question," Donahoe said after the Browns made the pick. "I don't know. You might have to ask some other teams, but I think when you get a guy at that price, I think you're just happy to add him to your team. And I think that's where we were comfortable with and he was still on the board and I think we made the decision that it's best for the Cleveland Browns to add him at that time. But as far as why he lasted so long, I can't really point my thumb on that." Watson (6-2, 233) played in the SEC at Mississippi State, where he led the conference with 137 tackles and tied for the conference lead with 10 sacks. Watson, 23, was a finalist for the Butkus Award for the nation's top linebacker. He was third-team All-American and the AP SEC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team ALL-SEC. Ranked as the 17th best linebacker in the draft by The Athletic's Dane Brugler. Ourlads draft guide had him at No. 16. Ourlads summed up Watson's style of play in this way: "He's an old school run stuffing middle linebacker." Donahoe said there was a lot for the Browns to like about Watson. "I think with him, his just toughness and intelligence," he said. He's been a very productive player at Mississippi State throughout his career. He's one of the smarter guys they had on their defense. A lot was required out of him. Reviews on him were good the last couple years going in there. So I think when you get a guy that's tough, physical, loves the game of football, I think that's a great guy to add to the program here." The Browns think that Watson can be versatile enough in the scheme that defensive coordinator employs. "He was very versatile in their defense," Donahoe said. "So I think that's another thing to why it's a good value to bring in a guy like that just because, like I said, he was probably, if not one or if not the, one of the smartest guys on their defense. Like I said, they required a lot. "He had to learn one of their linebacker positions in the parking lot before one of their games because one of their other kids was, I think, under the, I forget the exact detail, but they lost one of their other linebackers," he said. "So I think that goes a long way at the next level. Being able to play multiple spots and being versatile in that regard." Despite not drafting Watson until the sixth-round, the Browns are optimistic that they found a diamond in the rough after 205 players were drafted before Watson was selected. "I mean, ideally, you'd want to hit on every pick and hopefully, become great players in the league," Donahoe said. "But yeah, I mean, it's nice just because you spend so much time watching these guys and spending time getting to know them, getting characters, so you always kind of have a soft spot for your own guys, but when it comes down to it, as long as they're helping out the Cleveland Browns, I think that's the best thing. But yeah, there's, and if you guess any of our scouts, probably we all have our favorites that we hope, you know, end up in Cleveland but doesn't always happen. But that's just the way it goes. But, you know, as long as they become a good, productive Cleveland Brown and they help our team, I think that's what's best in the end." Watson will join Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Tony Fields, Mohamoud Diabate, Hicks and Bush to compete for a spot on the roster, as well as playing time. With the new rules on special teams on kickoff returns, Watson might be able to find a roster spot in that role. The Cleveland Browns drafted a linebacker with their sixth-round pick.