Tulane Green Wave Receiver with Strong Blocking Skills Declares for NFL Draft
The Tulane Green Wave football team is set to lose 15 key players to the 2025 NFL draft.
Wide receiver Phat Watts, after five seasons with the program, announced his decision to enter the draft on Wednesday, sharing a heartfelt message that reflected his journey of challenges and resilience.
Watts and his twin brother, Duece, joined the Green Wave in 2020 after playing at Jones County Junior College, where they teamed up with linebacker Nick Anderson, who is now in the CFL.
Unfortunately, Phat Watts had to watch from the sidelines as his team triumphed in the Cotton Bowl following a season-ending ACL injury before their impressive 12-2 season in 2022.
Although he briefly entered the transfer portal at the end of Willie Fritz’s tenure, discussions with coach Jon Sumrall encouraged him to return and conclude his career at Tulane. His appreciation was evident in a heartfelt statement he posted on X.
“First, I want to express my gratitude to God for allowing me to reach this point and for the chance to play the game I love,” Watts wrote. “I am truly grateful for the support of my family, friends, and fans throughout my journey.”
“I’d like to thank my cousins for playing ball with me behind my grandma’s house—your influence has been invaluable. I’m also thankful to my parents for motivating both me and my brother to strive for excellence in everything we do.”
“To Coach Buckley and Jones Junior College, thank you for shaping me into the person I am today. I doubt I would be in this position without that crucial step in my journey.”
“To the fans and staff at Tulane University, thank you for the opportunity to compete at the highest level in college football while obtaining multiple degrees. I have grown into the man I aspired to be.”
“To my coaches and teammates, words cannot express the depth of my appreciation and love for you all. Thank you for your unwavering support and everything you have done for me.”
“With that said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. I am excited about the journey and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Watts has recorded three career touchdowns for Tulane—two through the air and one on the ground—with 37 receptions for 473 yards. In 2023, after returning from injury, he played in just three games and managed to participate in six games during the season under Coach Jon Sumrall.
Although he was targeted several times, including in red zone situations, he made only one catch for 27 yards in his final year. Nevertheless, he played a crucial role on special teams and was a significant contributor to the Green Wave’s offense as a run-blocker.
Tulane frequently employed a trio of blocking receivers—including Watts, Bryce Bohanon, and Shaun Nicholas—for sizable gains by Makhi Hughes. Their formations signaled run plays but still proved effective.
Watts is known for his tenacious blocking, which helped him earn considerable playing time during his final season with Sumrall.
As Watts looks ahead to his professional career, his blocking skills and special teams performance will be appealing assets for NFL teams in search of reliable contributors.
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