He is not a plug and play linebacker. I think he will need some time.
I expect he adds about 10 pounds.
He is football smart. He is not a super athlete...Great balance
He is long even lanky at 252 pounds.
Great character....On and off the field
He could end up inside long term
Great hand use...Plays a physical game.
Do I love the pick.No
Do I hate the pick..No
I do really like the pick....I believe the Steelers selected a player who won't be out worked...A player who is tired of being the younger brother....I dont expect defensive MVP's...I do expect he becomes a helluva of a player
TJ Watt
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FC wrote:He is not a plug and play linebacker. I think he will need some time.
I expect he adds about 10 pounds.
He is football smart. He is not a super athlete...Great balance
He is long even lanky at 252 pounds.
Great character....On and off the field
He could end up inside long term
Do I love the pick.No
Do I hate the pick..No
I do really like the pick....I believe the Steelers selected a player who won't be out worked...A player who is tired of being the younger brother....I dont expect defensive MVP's...I do expect he becomes a helluva of a player
I hope you are right
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StillerInCT
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Steelafan77
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Will he play on the left side? Or right side?
I think he may play all over the field. He has a weird skill set.
He has a slippery element to his rush game...Kinda like Chad Brown
He has a slippery element to his rush game...Kinda like Chad Brown
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Definitely cool with this pick.
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StillerInCT
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We have athletes all over our defense. We need football smart guys. If he brings that along with his other skills I'm happy.
"Work harder not smarter" - Mike Tomlin
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Steelafan77
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I'm Happy with the selection. They filled a need. It was either Watt or Willis... I was hoping. Was getting excited as I watched Njoku fall. Only to be plucked the pick before by a division rival. Oh well...
Positives:
- Not Jabril Peppers
- Also not Deshone Kizer
I'm good with it
- Not Jabril Peppers
- Also not Deshone Kizer
I'm good with it
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Pabst wrote:Positives:
- Not Jabril Peppers
- Also not Deshone Kizer
I'm good with it
Or Taco Charlton
I'm willing to bet he has more than 6 sacks after 50 career games with 35 starts.
Jibba Jabber’s offense hasn’t scored more than 7 1st quarter points in 84 consecutive games. An NFL record by far. A historic amount of “easin in”. We are lucky to have him.
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My opinion which isn't worth much...Dupree is the outlier athelete. Watt is the war daddy with smarts on the other side. Seems like a solid pick. Much like Heyward, there may be ups and downs early. I bet he settles into an above average starter.
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FortyThree
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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.
955876 wrote:I'm willing to bet he has more than 6 sacks after 50 career games with 35 starts.
This ^
The somehow is the somehow
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Steelafan77
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Was hoping Conley would fall to 30... Had to say it. 
Love the potential with this pick. Might not turn into a pro bowl player but has a chance. I like that gamble at a position of need at 30. We're due for a stud outside backer. The football gods demand it!
Howard Griffith had to resort to chop-blocking him during the 1997 AFC Championship Game. An incredulous Kirkland asked Griffith, “Why do you have to use cheap tactics like chop-blocking?” Griffith replied “Why do you have to be a 300-pound linebacker?”
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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
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.
So you think the crowd is going to yell "HEEEEEEAAAAAATTTTHHHHH" every time he makes a tackle?
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Ben comes back, Tomlin doesn't = CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
Ben comes back, Tomlin doesn't = CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
Pre- draft write up from a guy I've known for years (Cobra 39) and is imho every bit as good with draft as B2B, Perch, FC or Drama:
TJ WATT:
I base my assessment on Watt as a player and not on his last name. And as a player I’ve had a 1st round grade on him all along, and believe as does Greg Cosell that Watt is an ascending player. Its easy to question his ability as an edge run defender or how he’s schemed to get his sacks because that’s the prevailing notion being thrown out there by internet draft experts. But if you watch closely you’ll see a level of maturity and football IQ along with athleticism that most players can only dream of having. The sky is the limit for this kid as far as potential goes, and NFL potential is what gets players like Watt drafted in the first round. Sure, I’d like him to fill out his frame and be stronger at the point of attack, but he did demonstrate the ability to set the edge in the games I watched and strong out plays for others to make the tackle. Keep in mind Wisconsin finished 2nd in FBS overall rush defense and Watt was a large reason for that. Watt plays within the context of what the defense asked him to do and it’s fascinating to hear him break down responsibilities for his teammates. Want your next leader on D it’s this guy right here. As a pure pass rusher, Watt brings the versatility to rush from anywhere on the field. He demonstrated to me the ability to win off the edge with speed along with mature hand usage relying on pull-push as his signature move. Watt can also win with power by walking the OT back into the QB and understands leverage by knowing to attack half a man. Moreover, Watt is a finisher. Go back and review the 4th quarters of their games against LSU or the bowl game against Western Michigan as examples. Watt is the guy either pressuring/sacking the QB, making a play on the ball in coverage or causing the forced fumble. If Watt is there at 30 he’s absolutely the guy I would take ahead of anyone else, that’s how much I believe he can impact, and impact quickly.
TJ WATT:
I base my assessment on Watt as a player and not on his last name. And as a player I’ve had a 1st round grade on him all along, and believe as does Greg Cosell that Watt is an ascending player. Its easy to question his ability as an edge run defender or how he’s schemed to get his sacks because that’s the prevailing notion being thrown out there by internet draft experts. But if you watch closely you’ll see a level of maturity and football IQ along with athleticism that most players can only dream of having. The sky is the limit for this kid as far as potential goes, and NFL potential is what gets players like Watt drafted in the first round. Sure, I’d like him to fill out his frame and be stronger at the point of attack, but he did demonstrate the ability to set the edge in the games I watched and strong out plays for others to make the tackle. Keep in mind Wisconsin finished 2nd in FBS overall rush defense and Watt was a large reason for that. Watt plays within the context of what the defense asked him to do and it’s fascinating to hear him break down responsibilities for his teammates. Want your next leader on D it’s this guy right here. As a pure pass rusher, Watt brings the versatility to rush from anywhere on the field. He demonstrated to me the ability to win off the edge with speed along with mature hand usage relying on pull-push as his signature move. Watt can also win with power by walking the OT back into the QB and understands leverage by knowing to attack half a man. Moreover, Watt is a finisher. Go back and review the 4th quarters of their games against LSU or the bowl game against Western Michigan as examples. Watt is the guy either pressuring/sacking the QB, making a play on the ball in coverage or causing the forced fumble. If Watt is there at 30 he’s absolutely the guy I would take ahead of anyone else, that’s how much I believe he can impact, and impact quickly.
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Steelperch
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I'm not mad at the pick, but not doing backflips either. The knee injuries scare me a bit. He's not a natural freak athlete edge rusher. He wins on hustle and effort. Only 1 year of college experience. Could get a lot better in time, not sure how he helps the team get to the SB in year 1 or 2.
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
I don't post much, but this is hilarious. How many make excuses for Tomlin' s dumb ass, or Ben, or anyone they "like".
Yes, people will make excuses for him just like they did for Mendenhall, Jarvis, etc. It happens every year.
I am rooting for the kid, like the pick, and hope he can generate some pass rush to help our team. If he doesn't, I will be the first to cuss his ass.
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FortyThree
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Kodiak 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.
So you think the crowd is going to yell "HEEEEEEAAAAAATTTTHHHHH" every time he makes a tackle?
They might as well.
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Orangesteel
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SP wrote:I'm not mad at the pick, but not doing backflips either. The knee injuries scare me a bit. He's not a natural freak athlete edge rusher. He wins on hustle and effort. Only 1 year of college experience. Could get a lot better in time, not sure how he helps the team get to the SB in year 1 or 2.
I said this in the chat. Is he a pass rusher or a true edge get the fuck after the QB rusher? We need the latter...
“Thoughts are a waste of time for me.” - Michael Pettaway Tomlin
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.
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.
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FC wrote:He is not a plug and play linebacker. I think he will need some time.
I expect he adds about 10 pounds.
He is football smart. He is not a super athlete...Great balance
He is long even lanky at 252 pounds.
Great character....On and off the field
He could end up inside long term
Great hand use...Plays a physical game.
Do I love the pick.No
Do I hate the pick..No
I do really like the pick....I believe the Steelers selected a player who won't be out worked...A player who is tired of being the younger brother....I dont expect defensive MVP's...I do expect he becomes a helluva of a player
Watt is also QUITE YOUNG -- still growing -- he will add more than 10lbs, easily. He hasn't acquired his man-strength yet.
Much better to draft a young guy with huge potential than to draft an old-ass man (Jarvis) who has no upside
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Orangesteel
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This screams "safe" to me. I don't know how I feel about that. We need bold, not safe.
“Thoughts are a waste of time for me.” - Michael Pettaway Tomlin
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RemoAZ wrote:Love the potential with this pick. Might not turn into a pro bowl player but has a chance. I like that gamble at a position of need at 30. We're due for a stud outside backer. The football gods demand it!
THIS
