The Cowboys added a veteran linebacker this week in Dekoda Watson, whose last game was ironically with the Cowboys in London. Watson was waived by the Jaguars and picked up by the Cowboys.
History: A seventh-round pick of the Bucs in 2010. Spent four years in Tampa Bay before playing the first 10 games of 2014 with Jacksonville.
Games Studied: 2014 Jacksonville – vs. Dallas (Defense & Special Teams), vs. Miami (Defense & Special Teams) vs. Cleveland (Special Teams)
- Listed as 6-3, 240 pounds, 4.55 40 Yard Dash. Played his college ball at Florida State.
- Played both as a Sam and Will linebacker in the games I studied.
- Tall, rangy build. Appears to be slightly bow-legged and can really cover some ground when he runs. Plays with some acceleration and burst.
- Showed the ability to play sideline to sideline with some nice range.
- Despite his size plays more off the blocks with movement than he does with taking on with his hands. Once he sees it, he is gone.
- Can deliver a physical blow as a tackler. Had a really nice shot on Dez Bryant at the goal line on his first touchdown reception. Struck DeMarco Murray as well in the open field. Will step up when he has to.
- Effort is good. Tries to finish plays.
- Will put his hand on the ground in passing situations and bring pressure off the outside. Was able to explode around Tyron Smith by grabbing the corner but was unable to sharpen it to get to Romo has he got the ball out. Needs to work the edges. Took a rush down the middle against Doug Free and got nowhere. Could stand to learn some counter moves as a rusher.
- Much better player when he can come forward than he is when he has to drop in coverage. Gives the effort to stay in position but had a problem with the Dolphins running back when he went into the flat. Tried to carry Escobar up the field and he was able to gain separation.
- There were some packages where the coaches had him off the field in passing situations. Could see where there were some awareness problems in his technique.
- On special teams he will line up at several different spots. Was not on the kickoff coverage team against the Cowboys but was against the Dolphins playing the L2. Will keep his lane and work down the field. He is the right tackle on the kickoff return. Initial pop was good and will work to maintain position. Plays as the right guard on the punt team. Will execute his blocking assignment and cover. Was credited for three tackles in the game last week against the Cowboys. Played with much better effort in that game than he did against the Dolphins when it came to covering punts. Is also on the field goal rush. Had a hand in the Dan Bailey block attempted. Was able to get underneath Doug Free and drive him off balance which allowed Chris Clemons to swim the gap.
- From what I was able to observe on tape will most likely be used as a core special teamer and backup outside linebacker and occasional pass rusher.
