After being drafted 12th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Texans, Watson started six games his rookie year and finished third in Offensive Rookie of the Year Voting. He made three straight Pro Bowls over the next three seasons and led the league in passing yards in 2020.
But after getting traded to the Browns, he’s played 19 games while battling multiple injuries. The goal this season for Watson is to return to his high-level play, which he believes is possible because he feels healthy.
“That’s what I’m training for and working for,” Watson said. “That’s what’s been on my mind the whole time, just playing really good, productive football so we can win a lot of games here. That’s the ultimate job. You’ve got to win in this business and if you’re not winning, then they’re going to find somebody else.”
One of the most intriguing parts of Watson’s game is his ability to use his legs. Watson started his career with 400 or more rushing yards in three of his first four seasons and acknowledged that Monken’s offense has thrived over the past three seasons using QB Lamar Jackson — the NFL’s all-time leading rusher for quarterbacks. With multiple designed quarterback runs called for Watson throughout camp so far, he’s becoming more comfortable in the offense.
“I think he knows how to call the right plays at the right time for the quarterback to be able to use his feet,” Watson said. “So, I’m going to trust him and the coaching staff, and whenever those plays are called, I’ll just try to execute.”