:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49469079/GettyImages-181474766.0.jpg)
A sixth member of Purdue football's senior class has come to terms with an NFL team as an undrafted free agent. Ryan Watson, a defensive end/defensive tackle has signed with Detroit:
Got word @BoilerFootball DT & @gcfootball alum Ryan Watson has signed a UDFA deal w/ the @Lions #DMV #mocofb
— Brandy L. Simms (@bls1969) May 2, 2016
Watson came to Purdue as a very promising four-star recruit and played immediately as a freshman, but never seemed to move beyond "solid starter" into "special talent". He ended up playing in 40 of 49 possible games with 58 tackles and five sacks. He started strong with four sacks in the first few games of 2014, but only managed one after that for the rest of his career.
This past season he was a regular starter with 31 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery at the defensive tackle spot. He had moves inside after being an end early in his career. He has good size at 6'2" and 298 pounds, but he never really stood out on a team that was pretty bad the past few years. Hopefully he can get a shot with some better coaching.