Watson entered training camp slated as the "de facto" No. 1 starting tight end on the depth chart. Head coach Eric Mangini officially named him the starter to begin the regular season. On September 26, 2010, Watson caught five passes for 47-yards and scored his first touchdown as a member of the Browns during a 24–17 loss at the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. He caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Browns' quarterback Seneca Wallace in the fourth quarter. On December 5, 2010, Watson recorded a season-high ten receptions for 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Browns' 13–10 win at the Miami Dolphins in Week 13. It marked his first game with double-digit receptions. Watson started in all 16 games for the first time in his career in 2010 and recorded 68 receptions for 763 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions. As the sole featured tight end, Watson led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and tied wide receiver Brian Robiskie for most receiving touchdowns.