T.J. Watt Makes NFL Decision, Will Enter 2017 Draft

[Da-news-now]

Few linebackers have made the instant impact that T.J. Watt did upon his first season as a starter in 2016. His athletic ability and freakish strength led him to Big Ten and All-American accolades galore.

It also got the attention of NFL scouts, and after just one season as a starter at outside linebacker, Watt has decided to turn pro. He announced his decision just one day after Wisconsin’s Cotton Bowl Classic victory over Western Michigan.

Watt took to Twitter to make it official:

Once A Badger, Always A Badger. #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/YbKjJoHfWM

— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) January 3, 2017
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It shouldn’t be surprising, as Watt is widely considering one of the top outside linebackers in this draft class. Walter Football has Watt ranked as the No. 3 inside linebacker on its board, while also listing him as a hybrid ILB/OLB.

Watt finished the season with 63 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and one interception. He added 13 quarterback hurries, broke up four passes forced two fumbles and recovered one fumble as well.

All of it adds up to a versatile player with talents that the NFL will salivate over.

It doesn’t hurt that his brother, J.J. Watt, has becomes an annual contender for Defensive Player of the Year, and showcased much of the same freakish ability coming out of college as well.

Continue reading...

 

[Budman]

11.5 sacks...nice. What a year. I wish this young man all the luck as he embarks on his NFL career. For selfish reasons, I wish he was back but I can appreciate his decision.

 

[TW]

I like Watt. At 6-5, 230#, a tad light for linebacker, but he'll add weight. His 4.65 40 isn't great, but his instincts are over the top. He plays smart, and is highly coachable.

If he had a 4.50 in the 40 I'd say he's a contender for top ILB pick, not #3.

I like his chances of making it. He needs to be in the right defense to be highly effective.

 

[Budman]

I like Watt. At 6-5, 230#, a tad light for linebacker, but he'll add weight. His 4.65 40 isn't great, but his instincts are over the top. He plays smart, and is highly coachable.

If he had a 4.50 in the 40 I'd say he's a contender for top ILB pick, not #3.

I like his chances of making it. He needs to be in the right defense to be highly effective.

Awesome breakdown TW. That's why you're one of the best around here. Great insight.

 

[57packer]

I suspect Watt will project higher on the boards of 3-4 defensive teams than 4-3 teams. He is a bit light, but long at 6'-5"ish. I suspect come combine time he'll be closer to 240#.

He won't be at the top of anyone's board at ILB or OLB, but I think he probably ends up as a late-Rd1 or anytime in Rd2 pick depending on the combine.

If he runs a 4.65 at about 240# he'll be OK. Teams will look at the other explosion numbers like vertical and broad jumps and also the 10-yd split on the 40. CM3 came to the combine at 240# and ran a 4.58-4.67 40-time depending on where you look. It was the 10-yd split that made him exceptional. If Watt runs in the 4.6-4.7 range he'll be fine, but needs to test well on the other things to move into Rd1 IMO. If he's more average at the other things, then Rd 2 or early Rd 3 are more likely landing spots for him.

He's already had 2 knee injuries and I'm sure that is part of what helped him make his decision. I think he can be a solid LB in the NFL if injuries don't hit. Hard to predict he'll be anything like his brother, but as TW says, his intangibles are great and very well could allow him to be a pro bowl caliber player.

 

[Budman]

I suspect Watt will project higher on the boards of 3-4 defensive teams than 4-3 teams. He is a bit light, but long at 6'-5"ish. I suspect come combine time he'll be closer to 240#.

He won't be at the top of anyone's board at ILB or OLB, but I think he probably ends up as a late-Rd1 or anytime in Rd2 pick depending on the combine.

If he runs a 4.65 at about 240# he'll be OK. Teams will look at the other explosion numbers like vertical and broad jumps and also the 10-yd split on the 40. CM3 came to the combine at 240# and ran a 4.58-4.67 40-time depending on where you look. It was the 10-yd split that made him exceptional. If Watt runs in the 4.6-4.7 range he'll be fine, but needs to test well on the other things to move into Rd1 IMO. If he's more average at the other things, then Rd 2 or early Rd 3 are more likely landing spots for him.

He's already had 2 knee injuries and I'm sure that is part of what helped him make his decision. I think he can be a solid LB in the NFL if injuries don't hit. Hard to predict he'll be anything like his brother, but as TW says, his intangibles are great and very well could allow him to be a pro bowl caliber player.

Wow. Very nice 57. That's as solid of a breakdown as I've seen. It's gonna be fun to watch how this young man does in the NFL.