Dekoda

Watson

Watson just signed with Seattle after spending the first eight weeks out of the league. His release creates a roster spot for Josh Gordon.

Watson, who Denver acquired in a draft weekend trade with San Francisco, was hoping to make the team as a backup/special teamer but didn’t show enough in camp. Rookies Justin Hollins and Malik Reed are in line to back up Von Miller and Bradley Chubb at linebacker this season.

They also got a sixth-rounder back from the 49ers. Watson spent most of 2018 on IR before making a late season return. He gives the Broncos depth at linebacker and should make an impact on special teams.

Sixth-round S Marcell Harris has also been activated from injured reserve. A special teamer, Watson was supposedly going to have a bigger role on defense this season. We will believe it when we see it.

It opens Watson’s three-week window to come off injured reserve. Watson will be a special teamer/defensive role player if he’s added back to the 53-man roster.

Black was inactive in Week 3 after suffering the injury in Week 2. It’s unclear if he will be ready to give it a go on Monday against the Colts. If not, Dekoda Watson will make his second straight start on the strong side.

There’s no mention of Adam Hayward. Watson is an interesting candidate because he was such a good blitzer at Florida State, and the Bucs will be able to blitz a lot more with Darrelle Revis in the secondary. Casillas still might be a superior option based on experience and cover skills at SAM ‘backer.

A seventh-round pick of the Bucs in 2010, Watson has bounced around the league the last three seasons, spending time with the Cowboys, Jags, and Patriots before appearing in 16 games with the Broncos in 2016. Perhaps he will compete for a role in the 49ers’ lackluster defense, but his biggest contributions have come on special teams to this point.

A reserve linebacker, Watson spent 2016 with the Broncos. He makes his mark on special teams.

Watson will play “Sam” backer on first and second down, and is a candidate for snaps at the “Leo” pass-rusher role in Jacksonville’s sub-packages. If the Jaguars draft Buffalo’s Khalil Mack at No. 3 overall, however, Watson won’t end up playing much Leo. Watson should also contribute on special teams.