Eric Watts

Defensive End · UConn

An undrafted UConn product who turned senior-year production into a Jets roster spot.

Eric Watts grinded through 47 college games at UConn before going undrafted in 2024, and he has stuck around the Jets' defensive line ever since. The Sumter, South Carolina native is now heading into his third pro season looking to build on a modest but steady rookie contract role.

★ Reese's Senior Bowl participant (2024)

★ 152 career tackles and 9.5 sacks over 47 games at UConn

Path to the league

Watts went undrafted out of UConn in 2024 after finishing his college career with 152 total tackles, 23.0 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks across 47 games. He capped his college run by playing in the Reese's Senior Bowl and working out at the NFL Combine before signing with the Jets as a free agent.

Career highlights

During his senior season at UConn, Watts posted 34 tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks, production that helped him land an invite to the Senior Bowl. He has spent his NFL time primarily as a traditional 4-3 defensive end while drawing on the inside pass-rush experience he picked up playing defensive tackle in college.

2025 season recap

Watts logged action in his second NFL season with the Jets, recording 6 solo tackles and 3 assists without a sack. Pro Football Focus graded him at 54.4 overall, with a stronger 67.5 mark against the run than his 50.8 pass-rush grade, reflecting his role as a rotational run-stopper along Gang Green's defensive line.