The Miami Dolphins have signed undrafted free agent LB Tre Watson. PFN writer Tanner Elliott sat down with Watson in an exclusive interview.

Tre Watson himself thought that he was worthy of being drafted. In the 2019 NFL Draft, 31 linebackers were selected, and Watson was shocked that his name was not called.

¨It was a surprise, but it is what it is,” said Watson about the matter. ¨It does bother me because that means clearly I didn’t show enough to warrant being one of those 254 picks.”

That was Watson’s response on how it felt to go undrafted. Even though he did go undrafted, he knows that he will not stop him from being a successful NFL player. Players such as James Harrison, Kurt Warner, and Antonio Gates are some of the most successful undrafted players. Watson hopes to join that list.

Collegiate career at Maryland

Watson’s past season at Maryland was impressive from a production standpoint. He had 114 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and five interceptions. Watson says that even though he had five interceptions, he can play against both the run and pass equally. He is a player that a team can rely on to make any play at any moment.

¨I don’t have just one specialty. I’m impactful in the run game and pass game on every down.¨

One of the most significant and most underrated achievements of Watson’ś college career was that he won All-Academic Big-10 four times (2015-2018). That award shows a lot about his character and how serious he takes football. Watson plans to transform into a leader in the NFL on and off the field just like he was at Maryland and Illinois.

¨I’ll be a guy who looks to earn the respect of my teammates. You have to build trust to be successful, and that’ll be something I think my teammates will see in me which will allow us to be successful together.”

Having a lot of experience in college football is a huge plus for NFL prospects. He has been a starter since his sophomore season at Illinois. Due to his experience as a starter, he feels that he has developed a lot as a player. A part of Watson’s game is also making every opportunity count.

“If you’re in the position every time but don’t make the play then that’s useless. It requires combining those things which I feel like I do well.”

Joining the Miami Dolphins

Watson’s mindset on how he should play shows that he is determined to be great at the next level. He feels like the team he signed with – the Miami Dolphins – gives him that opportunity.

“Miami was the place that I felt most comfortable with and ultimately who showed the most faith in me to bring me in and have me help the team be successful.”

Moreover, Watson is a perfect fit for Miami due to his versatility and willingness to play anything that is needed. He can play in any defensive scheme or package, or even on special teams. Watson spoke a little more to that versatility.

“I’ll find a role, whether it’s special teams, one specific sub package on defense, or something else altogether. I have always been someone who finds a way to to help the team win, and I will continue to do the same here in Miami.”

Furthermore, it will be interesting to see how new Dolphins head coach Brian Flores utilizes Watson. Flores is a defensive mastermind who knows how to put players in the best spot to succeed. In Miami, Watson would potentially play in a Dont’a Hightower role. It will be interesting to see if Watson does make Miami’s final 53 man roster since he was one of the better undrafted free agents.

You can follow Tre Watson on Twitter here to keep up with his journey. Good luck Tre!