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Wisconsin Football: How Derek Watt Fits in San Diego

By Jim Oxley

Sep 19, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers fullback Derek Watt (34) catches a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Troy Trojans at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers fullback Derek Watt (34) catches a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Troy Trojans at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Diego Chargers drafted Wisconsin football fullback Derek Watt. How does the former Badgers player fit on his new team?

With the 198th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers selected former Wisconsin football fullback Derek Watt.

The move reunites Watt with his former teammate and former first round draft pick Melvin Gordon, who the Chargers traded up two spots to select last year at No. 15 overall.

The Chargers struggled mightily running the ball last season, and Watt can help out his fellow Badgers alumnus, who missed having a fullback during his rookie season. San Diego spent a sixth rounder on Watt this season after rushing for an NFL-low 3.5 yards per carry a year ago.

More badgers: Top 6th Round Picks in Wisconsin History

It should come as no surprise that the Chargers added a fullback to the roster as they recently re-hired Ken Wisenhunt as their offensive coordinator after he spent two years in Tennessee.

The Chargers haven’t had a fullback on the roster since 2013, when Le’Ron McClain was on the team. That was also the last time Wisenhunt coached in San Diego.

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Since then they’ve been without a true fullback, and most recently were using tight end David Johnson as an H-back. Now they have a legit fullback who is versatile enough to help out in other ways.

Watt will be able to help out on special teams while he figures out his role in the offense.

The Chargers still have one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL in Philip Rivers, so don’t expect them to completely change their offensive philosophy just because they now have a real fullback on their roster.

Luckily, Watt is a good enough receiver to participate in the passing game, even if it isn’t his strength. The Chargers will be able to keep him on the field on passing downs, and will gain a talented blitz pickup back in addition to a capable receiver.

Watt may not end up being an immediate impact player on offense for the Chargers, but he will provide special teams ability from day one of training camp and could eventually help Melvin Gordon get back on track after a tough first year.

Next: Seven Badgers Signed as Undrafted Free Agents

What to watch for in 2016:

The San Diego Chargers are set to square off against the Houston Texans on Thanksgiving weekend, reuniting Watt with his older brother and NFL star, J.J. Watt. The two could even meet face-to-face in the trenches as the younger Watt looks to stop the elder Watt from crushing Gordon.