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The Pittsburgh Steelers are well into evaluating college prospects the organization might want to select in the 2024 NFL Draft. Following college all-star games, like the Senior Bowl, or the NFL Scouting Combine, the next step is visiting college Pro Days and having players visit the team in Pittsburgh. Meeting in person with players gives teams a chance to learn more about the people behind the football players. University of Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Watts confirmed he had a formal meeting with the team at the combine in Indianapolis, and called it a fun interview.
Watts joined the 3rd & Longhorns podcast to discuss his collegiate career and preparations for the NFL Draft. He said the interview room was more like a comedy club with all the laughter.
"I had the whole room laughing with some of the stuff I said. I felt like they was all cool people and I was able to be myself, and they accepted me for who I am."
Watts said he'd initially committed to the University of Oklahoma before he switched to Ohio State. He played 19 games over two seasons for the Buckeyes. He recorded two interceptions in the 2021 season to tie for the team lead. The native of Little Elm, TX transferred to be closer to home and joined the Longhorns for the 2022 season.
In 24 games, split between two seasons at Texas, Watts collected 63 solo tackles, five tackles for a loss, and a sack. NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting profile on NFL.com that "based purely on the cornerback tape, it would be easy to dismiss Watts as an NFL prospect, but once we fit the pieces together and project him as a safety, it changes the evaluation."
Zierlein noted that his measurables and demeanor should endear him to NFL teams that might want to take a flier on him as a late-round pick. He projects Watts to be an average backup or special teamer.
Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant disagrees. He posted on X on September 9, 2023, the same day the Longhorns defeated Alabama, that he thought Watts was a first-round corner.
DB #6 from Texas a first round corner
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) September 9, 2023
Watts said his brother told him about the post, and he was extremely thankful for the praise. He added that it built up expectations that he felt he didn't live up to because of dealing with injuries throughout the season.
Steelers Could Be The Team To Take The Flier On Watts
Pittsburgh values versatility in their defensive back room and has shown a preference for cornerbacks with size in the first draft under General Manager Omar Khan in 2023. In that draft, they selected Joey Porter Jr. with the 32nd overall pick who stands at 6'2" and weighs 194 pounds. They also chose Cory Trice Jr., who is 6'3" and weighs 206 pounds. Watts comes in at 6'3" and weighs 208 pounds.
Pittsburgh has been searching for safeties and a slot corner. Damontae Kazee played in 9 games and managed to record a pair of interceptions in 2023, but was suspended late in the season. Keanu Neal also started 9 games, but his 2023 season ended early due to injuries and he was released. DeShon Elliott was brought in as a safety to replace the hard-hitting Neal, but the team still needs more depth in that position. Watts could be a potential solution to fill that void.
"In high school in my sophomore year, I was playing all safety and I didn't want to move to corner," Watts explained. "My coach told me he had a higher ceiling for me at corner. I felt like that was my first love at safety."
He added that not every cornerback is capable of playing at safety. The ones who can do it are usually smart and skilled tacklers. Watts mentioned that these are his strengths. Pittsburgh had a good laugh with the versatile defensive back's abilities which could result in his addition.
Have you watched any of Watts' games? Do you think Pittsburgh could use a player like him?
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