The 2014 Wisconsin Badgers backfield is having a reunion in San Diego, as the Chargers selected UW fullback Derek Watt with the 198th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft Saturday. He joins former Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon, who was the team’s first round pick in 2015.
The Chargers are not a team that uses a traditional fullback, so Watt will have to play tight end primarily, rotating into the backfield at times to operate as a lead blocker for his former college teammate and the other San Diego running backs.
However, just because Watt was drafted in the sixth round doesn’t mean he is guaranteed a roster spot come September. The Chargers used their second-round pick on tight end Hunter Henry from Arkansas, and the team had five TEs on their roster heading into the draft. The newest Badger in San Diego is going to have to work his tail off to earn his spot on the team, but having a friend already on the roster certainly helps his chances.
