Nathaniel Watson

Nathaniel “Bookie” Watson (born September 1, 2000) is an American football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Early life
Watson grew up in Maplesville, Alabama and attended Maplesville High School. In his high school career, he played at receiver and linebacker. At receiver he caught 45 passes for 1,070 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also adding 376 yards and five touchdowns. At linebacker he racked up 70 tackles and four interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns. Watson committed to play college football at Mississippi State over schools such as Auburn and Ole Miss.

College career
Watson played sparingly in his first two seasons at Mississippi State in 2018 and 2019, recording a combined five tackles, with one going for loss. In the 2020 season, he tallied 39 tackles with three being for a loss, and a pass deflection. In week seven of the 2021 season, Watson had a breakout game posting 16 tackles with one going for a loss, and a sack, though the Bulldogs lost to #5 Alabama 49–9. He finished the 2021 season with 83 tackles with six going for a loss, five sacks, and a pass deflection. Watson recorded his first interception in week two of the 2022 season, picking off Jayden de Laura and returning it 51 yards, as he helped Mississippi State beat Arizona. In week five, Watson had a forced fumble in the redzone in the second quarter, but was later ejected in the second half on a controversial targeting call on quarterback Max Johnson, though the Bulldogs beat Texas A&M 42–24. Watson finished his breakout 2022 season with 133 tackles with 12 being for a loss, six sacks, a pass deflection, an interception, and a forced fumble. For his performance, Watson was named second team all-SEC. Watson was named preseason second-team all-SEC ahead of the 2023 season. Watson was also named a preseason fourth team all-American by Athlon Sports. Watson was also named to multiple award watch lists, such as for the Lombardi Award and the Bednarik Award.

Professional career
Watson was drafted by the Cleveland Browns 206th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Personal life
On August 15, 2023, Watson was arrested by the Mississippi State University Police Department on suspicion of driving under the influence.