TJ Watt

[955876]

Kid looks like a hard worker. Give him a year hitting the weights with Deebo and we could be ready to start next season.

This year he learns, gets bigger, and provides fresh legs & motor to play in packages and spell Harrison.

Hard to find plug n play at 30.

Time will tell...

[Legacy User]

I've watched a lot of Watt tape over the last few months because I could see how giddy Tomlin and Colbert were with him at the combine and pro day. The guy is a freakish athlete. That play in the Purdue game where he jumps up and in one motion bats the ball and catches it for the INT return is awesome.

His pass rush repertoire is pretty good already. He gets the edge primarily by using a push pull technique that seems to work well. His hand placement on the pass rush is exceptional...doesn't hurt he has 11" hands I'd like to see him work on his inside moves more as well as developing a spin move. There is a lot of upside there. If I were him, the first thing I would do is get on Deebo's squat program. If he continues to add muscle to his lower body, he could be unstoppable.

One thing I find odd is some of the posters that say he can't or won't drop in coverage. Wisconsin has him dropping a TON. He was covering TEs, RBs, and even slot receivers pretty regularly (and often very well I might add). That's what surprised me in the film study. I didn't expect that level of ability for a guy with such little experience at the position. I think his TE days of route running really help him in coverage. He's a definite upgrade over Deebo or Dupree in coverage.

With the pure garbage we have at OLB, it wouldn't surprise me if he gets over 50% of the snaps by year end.

Excellent post with evidence-based analysis -- Bravo

Also, watch Watt as he progresses through the year, learning the position. He was excellent against PSU in the big 10 champ and in their bowl game against West Mich

[Legacy User]

To think, we could have had this:

HAHAHAHAHA !!!
Good one.

I could not believe my eyes when he was on stage ...looks like a nut job !

Kellen Winslow Jr.

[steelclan]

This D is young and fast. Not there by any means but steps in right direction.

[Legacy User]

You guys are way better at evaluating college talent, but Watt looks like NFL linemen are going to swallow him whole. That's not to say he can't bulk up. But he does have a powerful lower half. Half of his highlights, like any other college player, have more to do with an opponent that made wrong decisions. The ill advised throw that caused the pick6 is one. I take those highlights with a giant grain of salt.

I also wonder if he'll be productive from day one. Steelers need edge rushers NOW!! Not next year. As athletic as he is, he's still not physically ready for a 16 game nfl season. See Dupree, but having football smarts is a value that offsets his lack of strength.

Having a brother that excels can have a negative effect as well. As long as he knows who he is and what he can do, its all good. If he tries to emulate his older brother, expect mixed results.

Wait a sec -- You think he "looks like" he'll be mauled by NFL linemen, but you disregard his tape?

Are you basing this on your visual inspection of him in his underwear?

His combine numbers are elite - he's a big man and probably still growing (considering his age).

Regarding "Edge rushers now" -- FUCKING NEWSFLASH -- we were picking at #30 -- "edge rushers now" don't last to #30 in today's NFL

I believe Watt will help us this year - he won't start, but he will help us on Special Teams and in situational roles on D, and also as a sub for Deebo. The kid is an elite athlete who will get bigger and stronger soon.

[Legacy User]

This D is young and fast. Not there by any means but steps in right direction.

Indeed -- Watt is another big step in that direction...

[R_S]

To think, we could have had this:

HAHAHAHAHA !!!
Good one.

I could not believe my eyes when he was on stage ...looks like a nut job !

One of most bizarre outbursts I've ever seen in sports, let alone at the NFL Draft.

If you are the Falcons war room watching that tirade you have to be shaking your head asking "what the fuck did we just do?"

Seems like a very pure meathead. He is a Filet Mignon.

[steelclan]

Fuck me mock draft contest is hilarious. Someone who might finish middle of pack would win any other year.

[FortyThree]

fortythree, consistently a dumbass today. 2 for 2.

Considering the source I take that as a compliment.

[COR-TEN]

You guys are way better at evaluating college talent, but Watt looks like NFL linemen are going to swallow him whole. That's not to say he can't bulk up. But he does have a powerful lower half. Half of his highlights, like any other college player, have more to do with an opponent that made wrong decisions. The ill advised throw that caused the pick6 is one. I take those highlights with a giant grain of salt.

I also wonder if he'll be productive from day one. Steelers need edge rushers NOW!! Not next year. As athletic as he is, he's still not physically ready for a 16 game nfl season. See Dupree, but having football smarts is a value that offsets his lack of strength.

Having a brother that excels can have a negative effect as well. As long as he knows who he is and what he can do, its all good. If he tries to emulate his older brother, expect mixed results.

Wait a sec -- You think he "looks like" he'll be mauled by NFL linemen, but you disregard his tape?

Are you basing this on your visual inspection of him in his underwear?

His combine numbers are elite - he's a big man and probably still growing (considering his age).

Regarding "Edge rushers now" -- FUCKING NEWSFLASH -- we were picking at #30 -- "edge rushers now" don't last to #30 in today's NFL

I believe Watt will help us this year - he won't start, but he will help us on Special Teams and in situational roles on D, and also as a sub for Deebo. The kid is an elite athlete who will get bigger and stronger soon.

Let me clarify for you. He looks like he needs to bulk up. It's been mentioned multiple times in this thread. I'm not the only one who bases this on his physical appearance. Whether it's in underwear or with pads. Football highlights, on the other hand, is that physical body playing football against opponents at different levels of competition. Using your brain and reacting to what's in front of you. If what's in front of you sucks, then it's not a good indicator as to how good you are. Understand the difference?

Thanks for your input.

[Legacy User]

You guys are way better at evaluating college talent, but Watt looks like NFL linemen are going to swallow him whole. That's not to say he can't bulk up. But he does have a powerful lower half. Half of his highlights, like any other college player, have more to do with an opponent that made wrong decisions. The ill advised throw that caused the pick6 is one. I take those highlights with a giant grain of salt.

I also wonder if he'll be productive from day one. Steelers need edge rushers NOW!! Not next year. As athletic as he is, he's still not physically ready for a 16 game nfl season. See Dupree, but having football smarts is a value that offsets his lack of strength.

Having a brother that excels can have a negative effect as well. As long as he knows who he is and what he can do, its all good. If he tries to emulate his older brother, expect mixed results.

Wait a sec -- You think he "looks like" he'll be mauled by NFL linemen, but you disregard his tape?

Are you basing this on your visual inspection of him in his underwear?

His combine numbers are elite - he's a big man and probably still growing (considering his age).

Regarding "Edge rushers now" -- FUCKING NEWSFLASH -- we were picking at #30 -- "edge rushers now" don't last to #30 in today's NFL

I believe Watt will help us this year - he won't start, but he will help us on Special Teams and in situational roles on D, and also as a sub for Deebo. The kid is an elite athlete who will get bigger and stronger soon.

Let me clarify for you. He looks like he needs to bulk up. It's been mentioned multiple times in this thread. I'm not the only one who bases this on his physical appearance. Whether it's in underwear or with pads. Football highlights, on the other hand, is that physical body playing football against opponents at different levels of competition. Using your brain and reacting to what's in front of you. If what's in front of you sucks, then it's not a good indicator as to how good you are. Understand the difference?

Thanks for your input.

Did you watch his games against PSU and WMich? He produced against quality opponents, not just DIII dregs

Of course he will bulk up -- he's only 21 yo, has yet to see an NFL training room, and was a TE two years ago

[Steel Ubaldo]

Not sold on him but he's here now so I will hope for the best. If the goal is to win now, which I am not sure it is, it's tough to think that he will be finally ready to make a difference as the franchise QB is walking out the door. Why not trade up for a difference maker than wait for a project with upside? There is no NFL rule that says the Steelers can't trade up.

Or in the alternative, would you rather 2-3 years of Richard Sherman at his contract vs Watt knowing he likely won't be his best until Ben is gone? They could always draft a project pass rusher in the second if they had to sacrifice their 1st for Sherman.

It's interesting to think about.

[cop1211]

To think, we could have had this:

Thought the same thing.
95% of these draft picks need to get stronger. This the exact area where Watt was projected to go.
This draft is extremely deep at corner last year they drafted 3 good looking starters, the Steelers have been a consistent contender for the past 10 years which means they must be doing something right which would include the draft.
A lot of people were complaining about the Shazier pick but as with most picks it takes 2-3 seasons to see if the player is going to blossom or blow.
For pick 30 based on measurable, stats, combine numbers, characteristics, needs, and character this is a good looking solid pick.

[Steel Mike]

To think, we could have had this:

Thought the same thing.
95% of these draft picks need to get stronger. This the exact area where Watt was projected to go.
This draft is extremely deep at corner last year they drafted 3 good looking starters, the Steelers have been a consistent contender for the past 10 years which means they must be doing something right which would include the draft.
A lot of people were complaining about the Shazier pick but as with most picks it takes 2-3 seasons to see if the player is going to blossom or blow.
For pick 30 based on measurable, stats, combine numbers, characteristics, needs, and character this is a good looking solid pick.

Agreed. Plus, Watt has an entire offseason to get bigger/stronger. It's not like they're playing next weekend.

[Legacy User]

Not sold on him but he's here now so I will hope for the best. If the goal is to win now, which I am not sure it is, it's tough to think that he will be finally ready to make a difference as the franchise QB is walking out the door. Why not trade up for a difference maker than wait for a project with upside? There is no NFL rule that says the Steelers can't trade up.

Or in the alternative, would you rather 2-3 years of Richard Sherman at his contract vs Watt knowing he likely won't be his best until Ben is gone? They could always draft a project pass rusher in the second if they had to sacrifice their 1st for Sherman.

It's interesting to think about.

It's interesting to think that the Steelers are the most successful franchise in the NFL, and yet there are those who think our mentality is not to "win now." I think the Steelers go into every season with the Super Bowl as the goal. We were one game away last year.

Trading up is the siren song of so many fans who think that's how a championship team is built. In reality, it never is.

[drmalba]

Trading up is the siren song of so many fans who think that's how a championship team is built. In reality, it never is.

Santonio Holmes begs to differ, but in general, yes, I agree with your thoughts here.

The Steelers have done a pretty solid job of talent evaluation over the Cowher/Tomlin era and that is reflected by actual division titles, postseason runs and Super Bowl victories. 17 pages on a need position pick, you'd think we drafted Lady Gaga.

[Legacy User]

Not sold on him but he's here now so I will hope for the best. If the goal is to win now, which I am not sure it is, it's tough to think that he will be finally ready to make a difference as the franchise QB is walking out the door. Why not trade up for a difference maker than wait for a project with upside? There is no NFL rule that says the Steelers can't trade up.

Or in the alternative, would you rather 2-3 years of Richard Sherman at his contract vs Watt knowing he likely won't be his best until Ben is gone? They could always draft a project pass rusher in the second if they had to sacrifice their 1st for Sherman.

It's interesting to think about.

It's interesting to think that the Steelers are the most successful franchise in the NFL, and yet there are those who think our mentality is not to "win now." I think the Steelers go into every season with the Super Bowl as the goal. We were one game away last year.

Trading up is the siren song of so many fans who think that's how a championship team is built. In reality, it never is.

Troy Polamalu and Santonio Holmes say hello

[Steel Ubaldo]

Not sold on him but he's here now so I will hope for the best. If the goal is to win now, which I am not sure it is, it's tough to think that he will be finally ready to make a difference as the franchise QB is walking out the door. Why not trade up for a difference maker than wait for a project with upside? There is no NFL rule that says the Steelers can't trade up.

Or in the alternative, would you rather 2-3 years of Richard Sherman at his contract vs Watt knowing he likely won't be his best until Ben is gone? They could always draft a project pass rusher in the second if they had to sacrifice their 1st for Sherman.

It's interesting to think about.

It's interesting to think that the Steelers are the most successful franchise in the NFL, and yet there are those who think our mentality is not to "win now." I think the Steelers go into every season with the Super Bowl as the goal. We were one game away last year.

Trading up is the siren song of so many fans who think that's how a championship team is built. In reality, it never is.

You're right. The Steelers have NEVER made a mistake drafting or in evaluating talent. Their the best. In fact we can point to Jarvis coming off 3 straight All Pro Seasons as proof of your point.

In addition, that trade up for Troy Polamalu was a disaster for this franchise and reeked of desperation. It was indeed a dark day for a franchise that took them 12 years to recover from.

I'll go back to sitting quietly and never question anything they do because they and you are ALWAYS right.

[jeemie]

Not sold on him but he's here now so I will hope for the best. If the goal is to win now, which I am not sure it is, it's tough to think that he will be finally ready to make a difference as the franchise QB is walking out the door. Why not trade up for a difference maker than wait for a project with upside? There is no NFL rule that says the Steelers can't trade up.

Or in the alternative, would you rather 2-3 years of Richard Sherman at his contract vs Watt knowing he likely won't be his best until Ben is gone? They could always draft a project pass rusher in the second if they had to sacrifice their 1st for Sherman.

It's interesting to think about.

It's interesting to think that the Steelers are the most successful franchise in the NFL, and yet there are those who think our mentality is not to "win now." I think the Steelers go into every season with the Super Bowl as the goal. We were one game away last year.

Trading up is the siren song of so many fans who think that's how a championship team is built. In reality, it never is.

Never say never.

As pointed out, the Steelers trade up twice to get Super Bowl pieces.

And the Cowboys famously trade up with the Steelers to nab Emmitt Smith.

You can win with the draft in all the different ways...trading up, standing pat, or, like the Pats almost always do, trading down to get extra picks.

[drmalba]

You're right. The Steelers have NEVER made a mistake drafting or in evaluating talent. Their the best. In fact we can point to Jarvis coming off 3 straight All Pro Seasons as proof of your point. :

Well,wait. If you're gonna go with THAT line, then you better also acknowledge David Decastro, Marcus Gilbert, Artie Burns, Sean Davis, Javon Hargrave, Bud Dupree, Ryan Shazier, Stephon Tuitt, Cameron Heyward, Leveon Bell. Those were all day 1 & 2 draft picks in the last six drafts, a core that now has two out of the last three season division titles under their belt and just took you to the AFCC, in case you forgot.

But by all means, if you like sexy big-time free agents and splashy acquisitions, there's a guy running a franchise in Jacksonville with a jaunty PT Barnum mustache that has won the offseason super bowl several years running.

[Legacy User]

You're right. The Steelers have NEVER made a mistake drafting or in evaluating talent. Their the best. In fact we can point to Jarvis coming off 3 straight All Pro Seasons as proof of your point.

In addition, that trade up for Troy Polamalu was a disaster for this franchise and reeked of desperation. It was indeed a dark day for a franchise that took them 12 years to recover from.

I'll go back to sitting quietly and never question anything they do because they and you are ALWAYS right.

Say what?

Where did I say that the Steelers have never made a mistake in drafting? Who would ever say such a silly thing, other than you?

That's just some ridiculous straw man you developed in your penile mind to make it easier for you to think you are winning the argument.

Yes, you should just go back to sitting quietly and not sounding like an idiot

[Legacy User]

Not sold on him but he's here now so I will hope for the best. If the goal is to win now, which I am not sure it is, it's tough to think that he will be finally ready to make a difference as the franchise QB is walking out the door. Why not trade up for a difference maker than wait for a project with upside? There is no NFL rule that says the Steelers can't trade up.

Or in the alternative, would you rather 2-3 years of Richard Sherman at his contract vs Watt knowing he likely won't be his best until Ben is gone? They could always draft a project pass rusher in the second if they had to sacrifice their 1st for Sherman.

It's interesting to think about.

It's interesting to think that the Steelers are the most successful franchise in the NFL, and yet there are those who think our mentality is not to "win now." I think the Steelers go into every season with the Super Bowl as the goal. We were one game away last year.

Trading up is the siren song of so many fans who think that's how a championship team is built. In reality, it never is.

Troy Polamalu and Santonio Holmes say hello

these weren't moves of desperation, like so many other teams that trade up

These were excellent teams, and when they saw a guy they really wanted, they acted.

I'll say it again -- Championship teams are NEVER built on the siren song of trading up -- Yes, a great teams can go out and get a guy ONCE IN A WHILE, but that is not how championship teams are BUILT.

Teams that constantly trade up are the perennial losers, like the Browns, etc.

"Trading up" is not the mantra of the best, most successful franchises.

If anything, probably the opposite is true -- trading DOWN is more indicative of championship teams.

[Steel Ubaldo]

You're right. The Steelers have NEVER made a mistake drafting or in evaluating talent. Their the best. In fact we can point to Jarvis coming off 3 straight All Pro Seasons as proof of your point.

In addition, that trade up for Troy Polamalu was a disaster for this franchise and reeked of desperation. It was indeed a dark day for a franchise that took them 12 years to recover from.

I'll go back to sitting quietly and never question anything they do because they and you are ALWAYS right.

Say what?

Where did I say that the Steelers have never made a mistake in drafting? Who would ever say such a silly thing, other than you?

That's just some ridiculous straw man you developed in your penile mind to make it easier for you to think you are winning the argument.

Yes, you should just go back to sitting quietly and not sounding like an idiot

Santonio and Troy are still waving at you Mr. know it all. Congrats on finding that thesaurus

[Steelafan77]

Not cool man. I can't see either of those.

That's the point.

[Steelknife]

Not reading this whole thread, but I see anger from some.

What more could you want at 1.30 than a hard working guy with high upside, coachability, and a lot of positive football influences in his life, at a position of need?

[Legacy User]

Not reading this whole thread, but I see anger from some.

What more could you want at 1.30 than a hard working guy with high upside, coachability, and a lot of positive football influences in his life, at a position of need?

extremely well said

[Legacy User]

Okay, it sounds like Watt passes the frame size test and the wrist width test. But 18 pages of analysis, and no one has mentioned whether he passes the all important RON name test. It's very suspicious to me that he goes by "TJ". What exactly does TJ stand for?

[Legacy User]

There is no NFL rule that says the Steelers can't trade up.

Takes two to tango.

[Legacy User]

Okay, it sounds like Watt passes the frame size test and the wrist width test. But 18 pages of analysis, and no one has mentioned whether he passes the all important RON name test. It's very suspicious to me that he goes by "TJ". What exactly does TJ stand for?

Tyrannosaurus Jock

[Steelafan77]

Okay, it sounds like Watt passes the frame size test and the wrist width test. But 18 pages of analysis, and no one has mentioned whether he passes the all important RON name test. It's very suspicious to me that he goes by "TJ". What exactly does TJ stand for?

Trent Jordan