2024 NFL Draft Profile: UConn EDGE Eric Watts

After leaving his hometown in South Carolina to join the Connecticut Huskies, Eric Watts turned into an important part of the group that made UConn football competitive again. 

In his final two seasons in particular, Watts was more than an imposing frame, but a playmaker that helped push the Huskies into their first bowl appearance since 2015. That combination of factors has put on him on pro scouts' radars for the last 18-24 months.

Now, with April's NFL Draft looming, here are the other important things to know about the former three-star recruit.

Background

Measurements: 6'6" - 274 pounds

As mentioned, Watson was a three-star recruit from Sumter, South Carolina in the class of 2019. He was a rotation player right away, with 30 tackles as a true freshman. 

Following UConn's cancelled 2020 season, Watts came out swinging as a sophomore in 2021. He played arguably the most complete game of his career that season, making 11 tackles with 3.5 for a loss at UMass. 

In terms of stats, 2022 was Watts' best college season. He finished that campaign with 49 tackles and ten TFLs, with seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and two blocked kicks. That performance helped the Huskies reach the Myrtle Beach Bowl and tie their highest win total since 2010.

Watts finished his college career with a total of 152 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. 

RELATED: 2024 NFL Draft Profile: Boise State RB George Holani

The Strengths

Watts' tenacity as a pass rusher stands out. Frequently practicing against someone like Christian Haynes, who might be the best pass-blocking guard in this class, helped him develop there. Watt's most memorable rep from the Senior Bowl saw him run through Texas tackle Christian Jones. Being able to brute strength his way through opposing linemen allowed him to total 32.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage in his career.

Obviously, the level of competition that Watts will face at the next level is much higher and will be more likely to match his physicality. Then again, some of Watts' best performances came against Power Five competition. He had a TFL and swatted a pass against Tennessee this year and racked up seven tackles against Boston College.

With a body as big as his as well, Watts can go from playing as a down lineman to a standup edge rusher fairly seamlessly.

Combine Stats

40-Yard Dash: 4.67 seconds

10-Yard Split: 1.65 seconds

Vertical Jump: 36.5"

Broad Jump: 9'9"

3-Cone Drill: 7.59 seconds

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.73 seconds

Bench Press: 21 reps

What's Next

Watts may have to hope for a good fit as a UDFA. Or, because of his potential upside with his frame and potential to play edge or move inside as a down lineman, a team could take a chance on him in one of the last three rounds. Watts was a great piece for UConn, but standing out in an edge class full of guys with similar positives seems difficult.