New England Patriots Release Brandon Spikes: Taking Stock of Linebacker Depth

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Dekoda Watson

Picked by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 155 selections after Spikes in the 2010 NFL Draft, Watson is a veteran of five NFL seasons.

Watson showed flashes of promise in 2013 when he racked up 42 combined tackles, two sacks and an interception with the Buccaneers. For the most part, however, Watson has been a role player, and as of late, a journeyman.

In the 2014 offseason, the Bucs cut ties with Watson and he ended up in Jacksonville. He played his last game with the Jaguars in early November against the Cowboys, from which point he was released, and later signed by the Cowboys, oddly enough. He recorded a tackle in the Wild Card playoffs against the Lions.

According to a scouting report by Bryan Broaddus after the Cowboys signed him, Watson has the ability to play both Sam and Will linebacker. He brings energy to the field, running all over the place and rarely missing tackles.

Now, Watson is a very different type of linebacker than Spikes. He isn’t going to take Spikes’ role on the depth chart. Rather, he will provide good depth behind Jamie Collins, the starter Watson resembles the most.

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