It’s not normal to know of a prospect getting an invitation to attend rookie minicamp before the draft. Ryan Watson is not your normal prospect, however.
The Air Force linebacker is two years removed from his last days playing for the Falcons. He had a signed rookie free agent deal with the Arizona Cardinals in place following the 2017 NFL Draft, but a quick change in the Department of Defense rules concerning athletes getting exemptions to pursue professional sports.
His two years serving at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio are now concluded, and Watson is getting back to pursuing his NFL dream. He’s worked out with the Detroit Lions (among other teams) and Watson showed enough to earn an invitation to the team’s rookie minicamp in May.
For a good read and more detail on Watson’s journey, check out the feature from USA TODAY Sports on the 230-pound LB and budding Detroit Lion.
