Carlos Watkins

Carlos Watkins Bio

Carlos Watkins (born December 5, 1993) is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. A native of Forest City, North Carolina, Watkins played college football at Clemson University before being selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Throughout his NFL career, Watkins has been a versatile defensive lineman, contributing as both a defensive end in 3-4 schemes and as a defensive tackle in 4-3 systems. His journey from a small-town high school standout to a college national champion and seven-time NFL team member showcases his resilience and dedication to the sport.

Early Life and Background

Carlos Watkins grew up in Forest City, North Carolina, where he attended Chase High School. During his junior year, he established himself as a dominant pass rusher, recording 50 tackles including 29 for loss and 14.0 sacks. His senior season proved even more impressive as he accumulated 15 sacks, one interception, and five forced fumbles. These standout performances earned him invitations to the Shrine Bowl and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, premieres high school all-star games featuring the nation’s top prospects.

Beyond football, Watkins excelled in basketball at Chase High School, averaging over 21 points and 10 rebounds per game as a junior. This multi-sport background demonstrated his athletic versatility and teamwork abilities that would serve him well in his football career.

Path to American Football

Following his stellar high school career, Watkins accepted a football scholarship to Clemson University. As a true freshman in 2012, he appeared in nine games and made 16 tackles with three quarterback pressures. His sophomore season in 2013 began promisingly with playing time in three games, but his season was derailed by a serious car accident that caused blood clots in both legs, requiring medical redshirt status. Watkins showed remarkable resilience by returning the following year and appearing in 11 games as a backup, registering 13 tackles and four quarterback pressures.

The 2015 season marked Watkins’ breakthrough at the collegiate level. Starting 14 of 15 games as a junior, he collected 69 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and made a game-winning tackle on a critical two-point conversion attempt against Notre Dame. His performance earned him first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. As a senior in 2016, Watkins reached peak form, posting 82 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and setting the Clemson record with 10.5 sacks. On January 9, 2017, he played a crucial role in Clemson’s historic 35-31 victory over Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship, finishing his college career with 191 tackles and 14 sacks across 53 games with 30 starts.

Carlos Watkins Career

Houston Texans (2017-2020)

The Houston Texans selected Carlos Watkins in the fourth round with the 142nd overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. The Texans acquired this selection by trading Brock Osweiler to the Cleveland Browns. As a rookie playing defensive end in their 3-4 defense, Watkins appeared in 12 games with six starts, recording 21 tackles including three for loss and one pass defensed. His 2018 season was limited to just four games due to limited playing time, though he recorded one sack in the season finale against Jacksonville.

Watkins saw increased opportunities in 2019, appearing in 10 games with one start and posting 23 tackles, one sack, two quarterback hits, and one fumble recovery. His most productive season with the Texans came in 2020 when he appeared in 16 games with 11 starts, collecting 27 tackles, two sacks, and two quarterback hits while establishing himself as a consistent contributor on the defensive line.

Dallas Cowboys (2021-2022)

On March 22, 2021, Watkins signed with the Dallas Cowboys, transitioning to defensive tackle in their 4-3 defense. This move proved significant as he appeared in 15 games with a career-high 14 starts, recording 32 tackles, one sack, one interception, and one pass breakup. His most memorable moment came on December 2, 2021, when he intercepted a pass from New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill and returned it 29 yards for his first NFL touchdown.

Watkins re-signed with the Cowboys on March 22, 2022, but his season was disrupted. He was released during final roster cuts, signed to the practice squad, and later promoted to the active roster in October. Appearing in 12 games with four starts, he recorded 30 tackles and one forced fumble after being inserted into the lineup due to Johnathan Hankins’ injury.

Arizona Cardinals (2023)

Watkins joined the Arizona Cardinals on March 30, 2023. His tenure was cut short by injury as he suffered a biceps injury in Week 2 and was placed on injured reserve on September 23. He appeared in just two games with one start, collecting seven tackles, one sack, and one pass defensed before the injury ended his season.

Los Angeles Rams and Washington Commanders (2024)

Watkins signed with the Los Angeles Rams on August 14, 2024, but was released less than two weeks later on August 25. He subsequently joined the Washington Commanders’ practice squad on August 28 and appeared in one game before being signed to the Cowboys’ active roster on September 18, 2024. In his return to Dallas, Watkins appeared in 15 games and recorded 12 tackles, including four stops in a Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Tennessee Titans (2025-Present)

Watkins signed with the Tennessee Titans on May 13, 2025. He was released during final roster cuts on August 26 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day, continuing his NFL journey with his seventh franchise.

Playing Style and Strengths

Carlos Watkins brings versatility as a defensive lineman capable of playing multiple techniques along the defensive line. His collegiate background as a pass rusher translated to his professional career, where he has contributed consistently both as an interior defender in odd-man fronts and as an edge defender in even fronts. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt passing lanes has resulted in six career sacks. His production against the run and his occasional splash plays, including his touchdown interception return with Dallas, demonstrate his ability to make game-changing plays when opportunities arise.

Carlos Watkins Career Wins

Throughout his NFL career, Carlos Watkins has accumulated 151 total tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, one interception, and one defensive touchdown across 89 career games with 37 starts. His most productive statistical season came with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021, where he set career highs in games started, tackles, and recorded his only professional touchdown.

College Highlights

Watkins’ most significant career victories came at the collegiate level with Clemson University. His crowning achievement was helping the Clemson Tigers defeat the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship on January 9, 2017. As a senior, he led the team with 13.5 tackles for loss and set the school single-season record with 10.5 sacks, anchoring a Clemson defense that dominated college football. His two-way production and clutch performances, including his game-saving tackle against Notre Dame in 2015, cemented his legacy as one of Clemson’s most productive defensive linemen.

Professional Milestones

At the professional level, Watkins’ standout moment came on December 2, 2021, when he returned an interception 29 yards for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints. This play demonstrated his ability to capitalize on opportunities and contributed to a significant team victory. Over his eight-plus NFL seasons, Watkins has proven to be a reliable depth player and capable starter who brings consistency and versatility to every defensive line rotation he joins.

2025 Season Performance

Carlos Watkins entered the 2025 season with the Tennessee Titans following his signing on May 13. After being released during final roster cuts on August 26, he re-signed to the practice squad, maintaining his presence within the organization. The Titans, undergoing their own transition, have relied on defensive line depth and veteran experience as they develop younger talent. Watkins’ practice squad status provides him the opportunity to contribute in practice against the team’s offensive line and potentially earn a promotion during the season.