The Browns selected LB Nathaniel Watson with the 206th pick in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
In six seasons at Mississippi State, Watson totaled 377 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 21 sacks. He also recorded two interceptions, five passes defended, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.
"He's been a very productive player at Mississippi State throughout his career," said Browns area scout Matt Donahoe. "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."
In 2022, Watson was named second-team All-SEC. He led the team with 12 tackles for loss and tied the team lead with six sacks. Then, in 2023, Watson was s finalist for the Butkus Award, honoring the nation's top linebacker. He was also named third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-SEC. Watson led the SEC with 137 tackles in the 2023 season.
"When you get a guy at that price, I think you're just happy to add him to your team," Donahoe said. "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."
Check out photos of Browns 2024 sixth round pick Nathaniel Watson
Mississippi State wide receiver Justin Robinson (18) tries to run past linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) after catching a pass during NCAA college football practice Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) hands his gloves to 11-year-olds Jay Chism, center of Tupelo, Miss. and Treylan Bell, left of Guntown, Miss., after their NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Starkville, Miss. Mississippi State won 56-10. (AP Photo/Jim Lytle)
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson poses for a portrait at the NFL football Combine on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for the NFL)
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) during an NCAA football game against Arizona on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) tries to slips past Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
American running back Michael Wiley of Arizona (8) catches a pass as American linebacker Nathaniel Watson of Mississippi State (14) defends during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary (13) is sacked by Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Kentucky won 24-3. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
American running back Michael Wiley of Arizona (8) catches a pass as American linebacker Nathaniel Watson of Mississippi State (14) defends during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) tries to shake Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) as he scrambles out of the pocket during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) tries to slips past Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) is penalized for a horse collar tackle on South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) is penalized for a horse collar tackle on South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson (14) is pursued by Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Mississippi State won 42-24. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson celebrates after sacking Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith in the first half of the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson celebrates after making a sack against Texas Tech in the first half of the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
LSU running back Logan Diggs (3) runs up the middle for a short gain as Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) attempts to tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) sacks Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith (7) in the first half of the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson celebrates after a play against Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
