SteelerChef wrote:fortythree wrote:As long as he doesn't absolutely suck he'll be a fan favorite forever because he's white, is a linebacker, played at a Big Ten school, and his brother is good.
Truth
This try harder will have 1000s making excuses for him til the end of time
Shoot me now
Double Yoi wrote:If you don't like this pick, you're a fucking pussy!
Scunge wrote:It is funny but as the draft unfolded it just seemed like fate that Watt would be there for us. I thought for sure that GB, or Dallas, or some other teams would pick all the edge rushers. But then you had 3 WRs go in the first 9 picks, you had 3 QBs taken early, you had players going early like CB Jackson at 18, you had the Raiders disregarding Gareon Conley's troubles and selecting him.
The TEs all going before our pick, Howard, Engram and Njoku. Green Bay trading back with Cleveland, they might have taken Watt had they stayed put.
I know it was a need but I can't complain. Who else could they have taken? Reuben Foster? Kevin King? Josh Jones? Chidobe Awuzie? Jordan Willis?
So, I am okay with Watt. I will say this, I think he more of an athlete than some think. Everyone this offseason talks of how Tyus Bowser is this great athletic off-the-ball OLB but you look at his combine numbers and they are about equal to TJ Watt. The thing I like about Watt is that sometimes when an athletic player is in his first year as a starter, it can sort of slow you down and negate your athletic gifts. Your head is swimming, you are adjusting to a new position, he was a TE before making the switch to OLB, he had some injuries, etc.
I just see a player who has tools to work with, he will probably fill out and be a 6'5" 260 pounder. He ran a 6.79 3 cone, he has a 37 inch vertical, 11 inch hands? If you are going to draft an OLB, at least draft somebody who has the tools and can get better. Jarvis Jones was maxed out, never had the tools to begin with and was never going to be a good pro.
franco32 wrote:We were drafting at 30...not 5.
I don't understand how this is a safe pick. He doesn't have a lot of experience at the position. He's still developing.
I do know the guy has an amazing sparq score. He's an explosive athlete. I know he is not Von Miller around the edge, but his technique is tremendous for a guy that hasn't had much experience. His motor is unquestioned. He's also got "leader" written all over him.
I'm elated with the pick.
Double Yoi wrote:If you don't like this pick, you're a fucking pussy!
Double Yoi wrote:If you don't like this pick, you're a fucking pussy!
Miter Saw wrote:
I think watt will be fine in time, but my biggest problem with the pick is help is needed now.
ironzabo wrote:If you do like this pick you are a fucking YINZER in the truest and most altruistic form.
steel wrote:ironzabo wrote:If you do like this pick you are a fucking YINZER in the truest and most altruistic form.
I have no idea what this post means
lord knows we need a tough guy who can rush the passerfranco32 wrote:steel wrote:ironzabo wrote:If you do like this pick you are a fucking YINZER in the truest and most altruistic form.
I have no idea what this post means
I think some people believe that fans of the Watt pick are blind Yinzers who are thrilled to get a "great white hope" at LB.
ironzabo wrote:This is HEATH 2.0 indeed. 100 %
First, he’s too small, and it shows on the tape. At any point, if a big blocker is able to get between Watt’s pads, he is stuck. At 250 lbs., he doesn’t possess the strength to bull rush through bigger blockers. This will become an ever bigger problem at the pro level where blockers are better versed in their technique.
Watt’s size also becomes an issue in his schematic fit on an NFL squad. Mostly played in Wisconsin’s 3-4 defensive scheme as an outside linebacker, Watt was used primarily as a standing pass rusher. This means two things:
Watt was often schemed to come off the edge unblocked. The 4:12 spot in the Ohio State film shows exactly what I’m talking about as Watt gets a free tackle for loss. Certainly his sack and tackle for loss numbers are impressive from last season, but many came from unblocked positions.
Watt was rarely in coverage. Especially in games against the best teams in the nations, i.e. Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan St. etc., T.J. rarely dropped into coverage. When he did, he dropped to just a shallow zone. Without much coverage experience, Watt’s immediate impact in that respect at the NFL level is limited.
If we look at how these things translate to the NFL, we can see that Watt will be limited, at least in his first year, to pass-rushing duties. Without the size to set the edge (see GIF below) or the coverage skills to mark a tight end or slot receiver, Watt will only provide NFL-level production as a pass-rusher off the edge. Further, again, because of his size, Watt will most likely only fit in 3-4 defenses that don’t require outside linebackers to drop back in coverage. Given these factors, Watt’s NFL usage becomes rather limited.
TJ Watt unable to set edge
Putting lack of size, strength, and coverage skills aside, Watt could still make the case for a first round pick if he showed a versatile pass-rushing repertoire. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Of the six 2016 games I watched of Watt, I recorded just one spin-move. Other than using his hands and burst to attack the blocker before he’s ready, Watt shows very little in his pass-rushing arsenal. He doesn’t get low, he doesn’t bend, he doesn’t spin, and he can’t get out of the arms of bigger blockers. It’s difficult to see how Watt will be productive against NFL-caliber tackles and edge blockers.
Verdict
T.J. Watt is a tweener, too small to be a defensive end, but without enough versatility to be a first-round linebacker. With his natural burst, big frame, hand technique, Watt should probably put on 10-15 pounds of muscle and go all-in to the defensive end position. Perhaps the extra weight and added strength could allow Watt to better leverage his burst to bull-rush through blockers. If he’s unable to do this, Watt might end up becoming just a pass-rushing specialist who gets rotated in on third downs. Depending on how confident a team is in his ability to get stronger, I’d rate Watt anywhere from early in the second round through the third round.
Best Fit
The Carolina Panthers are the first team that comes to mind in terms of best fit for T.J. Watt. With a head coach in Ron Rivera who wants to build a physical, tough defense, Watt could be a great addition for the Panthers. With aging defensive linemen and a shaky secondary, it is crucial that Carolina produces pass-rush pressure. Though this would likely require Watt to bulk up a bit to play defensive end in Carolina’s 4-3 scheme, the cultural fit and Carolina’s vision would be great for T.J.
Another interesting fit could be with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Another defense that wants to be tough and physical, the Steelers have been relying on a far-too-old James Harrison to produce pressure off the edge for them. Even if Bud Dupree is able to become half the monster that he was at Kentucky, Pittsburgh has very little depth to offer for pass-rushers. Operating in a 3-4 base defense, T.J. Watt would be a perfect rotational pass-rusher for the Steelers to slot in as Harrison continues to age.
franco32 wrote:I think some people believe that fans of the Watt pick are blind Yinzers who are thrilled to get a "great white hope" at LB.
I like it..it reminds of a pats type pick..maybe a matt vrabel ! or our new lambert!!!
We have athletes all over our defense. We need football smart guys. If he brings that along with his other skills I'm happy.
Dupree is the outlier athelete. Watt is the war daddy with smarts on the other side. Seems like a solid pick.
If you don't like this pick, you're a fucking pussy!
franco32 wrote:Watt ran the 40 in the 4.6s. He had among the best verticals, 3 cones, and short shuttles in his class. He's a fantastic athlete.
Those of us who love Watt are not enamored because his skin is white. We think he's a great athlete, football smart (picking up the position in one year), and has a non-stop motor.
I for one am thrilled and I was hoping for him all night.
bradshaw2ben wrote:I love all those athletic gifts-- I'm concerned about him playing the position-- but, in theory, he will get better.
bradshaw2ben wrote:[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o81cSkU3Y58[/youtube]
franco32 wrote:bradshaw2ben wrote:I love all those athletic gifts-- I'm concerned about him playing the position-- but, in theory, he will get better.
I'm concerned about Dupree playing the position and finally learning to use his hands properly. Watt is still growing into his frame. If he can put on about 5-10 more lbs of muscle he'll be better positioned to take on NFL OTs.
