Bolt Beat
Fansided

Los Angeles Chargers fans want Derek Watt to be more appreciated

By Tyler Schoon

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates with Derek Watt #34 after scoring a one yard touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates with Derek Watt #34 after scoring a one yard touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter in the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Chargers have one player many fans would like to be more appreciated: FB Derek Watt

Bolt Beat’s Twitter recently asked who some of the most underappreciated players on the Chargers are, and most of the answers provided were as expected. Desmond King, Adrian Phillips, and Melvin Ingram were popular choices, but name was surprisingly more brought up than expected: Fullback Derek Watt.

Derek Watt is a hell of a piece for us blocking downfield for Mel/Ekeler and/or on kick returns; the kids everywhere. And can bust through people with the ball. Love what he’s done.

— Josh Browner (@AghMyAchingBack) June 8, 2019

Fans really…

Honestly Derek watt really good for Melvin

— Hayes Skiles (@hayski08) June 7, 2019

…really…

Watt

— Adam Spelhaug (@PFSagronomyguy) June 7, 2019

…really…

Either Derek Watt or Adrian Philips. They bring an edge to special teams thats rare. Love the energy they bring every play

— Ryan Tarvers (@ryan_tarvers) June 8, 2019

…really wanted to see Watt noticed more. So, let’s give a fullback some recognition.

Watt entered the league in 2016 as a sixth-round selection out of Wisconsin, following the man he was blocking for, Melvin Gordon, a year later.

Watt has a career yards per reception average of 17.1, which is a higher average than that of LaDainain Tomlinson, Keenan Allen, and Antonio Gates, though that shouldn’t be taken too seriously (or do it, whatever). Last year, the veteran fullback was named as an alternate for the Pro-Bowl after leading the way on many run plays for the Chargers:

https://twitter.com/BadgerFootball/status/1059204419496144897

He only played in 14.67 percent of the team’s offensive snaps in 2018, but was given a much bigger role on special teams, appearing in 51.4 percent of those snaps. On special teams, Watt currently holds what is possibly the most efficient block of all time:

Derek Watt got the hat trick on this block ? @DerekWatt34 https://t.co/aEh43w3H4s

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) August 29, 2018

Next. Previewing the Chargers quarterback room

Fans may have to wait longer to see their favorite fullback hit the field this summer, as he is only a few weeks removed from recovering from a shoulder surgery that limited him at the end of last season. But when he does, expect him to make more receptions, more blocks, and if he’s lucky, gain a little more appreciation.

Home/LA Chargers News