With The First Pick
Fansided

2017 NFL Draft: Wisconsin T.J. Watt Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos offensive lineman Taylor Moton (72) and Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos offensive lineman Taylor Moton (72) and Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Wisconsin’s T.J. Watt is a solid prospect who flashes the ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, but might be getting a bump because of name recognition.

T.J. Watt is coming off a very strong season and has seen his overall draft stock rise as a result. The biggest impact came as a pass rusher where he should the ability to attack the edge. He uses his short-area burst and balance as his main pass rushing tools.

Watt shows good snap awareness routinely getting a quick jump off the line. He then uses his hands to get some separation. His balance allows him to dip his shoulder and bend around the corner. Watt’s overall draft stock is helped by the fact he’s someone who gets home.

Live Feed

In the Market: Previewing the Top 5 quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class
In the Market: Previewing the Top 5 quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class /

FanSided

  • Packers' Lukas Van Ness will make a Lambeau leap into the NFL in 2023NFL Mocks
  • 2024 NFL Draft: Hunter Haas’ Top 50 Big BoardNFL Mocks
  • Twitter reacts to 49ers' shocking trade of Trey Lance to CowboysNiner Noise
  • NFL preseason Week 3: Notre Dame's Mayer, Foskey with something to proveNFL Mocks
  • 4 promising first-round receivers to watch in NFL preseason Week 3NFL Mocks

    • This isn’t a pass rusher who just generates pressure he actually registers the sack. His pass rush arsenal needs some depth as he mainly attacks the edge and looks to penetrate inside.

    Watt doesn’t show that raw strength needed to employ a power move. He also doesn’t deliver a strong punch which hurts his ability to knock the blocker off balance. His lack of power can be traced back to his limit bulk.

    He has a long frame, but is thin through the hips and needs to add more weight. This lack of bulk also impacts his ability to support the run. Too often, offensive linemen are able to eat him up and seal him from the play.

    Watt struggles to disengage from blocks which will make it hard for him to work at the line of scrimmage.

    In coverage, Watt plays too high and struggles to change direction. This is something that could be fixed with more experience and coaching. The fact is he just didn’t have much opportunity to drop in coverage.

    He’s looking at a future as an outside linebacker who is mainly asked to rush the passer. If he could improve his pass coverage and run reads it’s possible for him to carve out a career as a traditional linebacker.

    Watt is a tough evaluation because there are plenty of splash plays that show he has the natural skills to be a playmaker.

    Current Draft Range: 3rd Round

    Home/NFL Draft News