It was a tough 2024 for several Steelers rookies, missing all or the majority of the year due to injuries.

Defensive back Ryan Watts was one of those rookies.

Watts, the second of the Steelers two sixth-round draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, missing the entire 2024 season.

Watts, who was the 195th overall pick, spent two seasons at Texas, after transferring from Ohio State. While with the Longhorns he played in 24 games, starting 23, recording 89 tackles, 63 of them solo stops. He also had five tackles for a loss, seven passes defensed, one interception and one sack.

"Just his body of work," said Coach Mike Tomlin about what he liked about Watts when he was drafted. "He's a long guy. He runs well. He's got position flexibility. He plays with an edge. So those are some of the real tangible reasons why."

In 2023 he recorded 38 tackles, 30 of them solo stops, in 11 games. He added three passes defensed and a tackle for a loss.

In 2022 he was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection by the league's coaches and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 Defensive Newcomer Player of the Year honor. He was also named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team in 2022 and was a member of the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll (spring 2022).

"I could fit anywhere, really," said Watts of his position flexibility. "I feel with my size and my speed and moving my body. I feel like not a lot of 6-3 corners can move like I can. So, to be able to just keep developing. I feel like I can be played at safety, nickel, corner. I feel like I can just maximize my potential anywhere."

He played two seasons at Ohio State, appearing in 19 games. He helped Ohio State win a Big Ten Championship, a Sugar Bowl Championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2020.