Browns Emerson Jr Praises 'Electric' Rookie

As the Cleveland Browns finished their second day of OTAs, the final play of practice was a highlight.

As free agent signing Tyler Huntley dropped back to pass, he looked to his left, where he saw last season's breakout running back Jerome Ford in the endzone. However, despite finding Ford, the pass was too far out in front of the third-year back, allowing rookie inside linebacker Nathaniel Watson to make the practice-ending interception.

With practice ending thanks to Watson's interception, the defense made sure to celebrate the young rookie sixth-round pick, whose ability in pass coverage was a question coming out of Mississippi State. But the celebration of the promising linebacker didn't stop with practice, as he even earned praise from his new teammate, cornerback Martin Emerson Jr.

"Bookie, he is electric," Emerson Jr. said of the rookie backer. "He's a very hyper guy. He comes and plays every day. He's very physical, and that's what we play. Cleveland Browns defense, we (are) very physical, fast, and that's what I feel like he brings all that to the table. So, I'm excited to have Nathaniel a part of this defense."

Oct 7, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Anthony Sambucci (5) runs the ball while defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Nathaniel Watson (14) during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Watson, the now-former Mississippi State linebacker, was selected with the No. 206 overall pick and was described as more of a developmental prospect despite having won the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award this past season.

While playing in all 12 games for the Bulldogs, Waston totaled 137 tackles, 13 for a loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two recoveries this past season. It was an impressive season, to say the least, for the 6-foot-2, 233-pound linebacker, who was also named to the All-SEC first team.

It capped off a six-year college career where he played in 50 games for Mississippi State, totaling 377 tackles, 35 for a loss, and 21 sacks, with two interceptions and three forced fumbles.

Watson now finds himself fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster, and if he keeps making highlight plays in practice, he will likely secure a spot.