Lions Prospect Profile: T.J. Watt – Wisconsin
By Matt Urben
Draft Profile: T.J. Watt – Wisconsin
Position: Linebacker/Defensive End
Projected: Late 1st-Round
Size: 6-foot-4, 252 lbs
Analysis: Watt is every bit his own man, despite the obvious relation to brother — former MVP-candidate and multiple-time defensive player of the year — J.J. Watt. In fact, little brother T.J. was an absolutely disruptive force while at Wisconsin in 2016, and is considered a mid-late 1st-round pick entirely of his own merit. Watt is a guy that, quite simply, gets behind the line of scrimmage with ease and his stats demonstrate that pretty clearly (63 tackles, 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss).
He’s physically imposing, but not quite heavy enough to play defensive end in a 4-3 at his current weight of 252 lbs. Some think he would be more successful next season in a pass-rushing, linebacker role. You could use him as a third-down specialist, while he adds weight. It’s something that Detroit was unable to achieve with Kyle Van Noy. The Patriots certainly made it look easy, though, during their Super Bowl run.
Watt ran a 4.69 40-yard dash, showing he has solid closing speed. Some say he lacks an elite burst off of the line, with an average first step. Watt is a high-motor guy that you don’t have to question whether he loves football or not. He was a key contributor during Wisconsin’s near run to the College Football Playoff. It’s unfair to assume he will be a similar caliber of player to J.J. based off of the similarities in their measurables and bloodline. But, T.J. Watt is a sound football player with a bright NFL future.
Why he makes sense for Lions: The Lions need help along their front seven. DeAndre Levy hasn’t been around the past few seasons. Van Noy is in New England. Devin Taylor’s future is still up in the air. The team appeared to hit on 5th-rounder, linebacker Antwione Williams, and lineman Kerry Hyder Jr. impressed — leading the team in sacks with eight.
The Lions need some more pass-rushers they can rely on, regardless of what happens with Taylor and the others. Watt could be the play-making, third-down presence the Lions have needed for years to complement Ziggy Ansah. Why not take the kid so Green Bay doesn’t add yet another person to get after Matthew Stafford? Watt has routinely been projected to the Packers in numerous mock drafts, but he’s been climbing higher as of recently since the NFL combine.
There is a good amount of risk with taking a guy without a clear position in Detroit’s 4-3 scheme. The upside could be huge for a team with a desperate need for more pressure. Should the Lions pounce on this Wisconsin Badger with the 21st pick and attempt to kick-start their defensive front?
Even if it’s a slight reach, it would be hard for fans to complain if Quinn pulls the trigger. Check out the T.J. Watt highlights below! Plus, read our other draft prospects such as Derek Barnett, Malik McDowell, and Cam Robinson.
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