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2017 NFL Draft: Top 5 Edge Rushers

By Tyler Dickson

September 2, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Jesse Ertz (16) runs with the football against Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Jordan Willis (75) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 2, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Jesse Ertz (16) runs with the football against Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Jordan Willis (75) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) celebrates following a sack during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) celebrates following a sack during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

T.J. Watt – 6’4″ 252 lbs. – Wisconsin

The brother of the NFL’s best defender (when healthy), Watt’s NFL pedigree will be intriguing to NFL teams.

Watt was a 3-star recruit and the 43rd ranked athlete in the 2013 class.

Strengths:

Just like his older brother, T.J. is an amazing athlete. He also carries the same work ethic as his older brother.

Watt keeps his head up when he makes contact, so he can react to the play. He has the ability to close gaps, and with his agility, he could play off the ball linebacker.

Watt fires through the line on twists and stunts, and has the needed quickness to be a backside defender. He isn’t afraid of contact, has quick hands, and knows where to hit. He also is active in getting his hands up to block the passing lane.

Weaknesses:

There is tightness to his game, and he doesn’t have a top-tier array of pass rush moves. He’s also inconsistent with his power.

Watt can get caught watching too often, and needs to read and react faster once he gets to the NFL. He works better when he knows what he’s doing, and isn’t a great improviser.

T.J. needs to improve his snap count awareness and the quickness of his first three steps if he hopes to be an elite pass rusher. He plays too narrow and can’t sink, so he can be moved off his spot.

Watt is essentially a jack of all trades and a master of none. At least for the moment. His one-year of production is a concern.

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Overall:

T.J. has the makeup to be an elite NFL pass rusher, but is raw in terms of the nuances of the position. His best position might be as an off the ball LB that is used as a situational pass rusher. It would be a gamble to rely on him as a primary pass rusher.

NFL Comparison: Clay Matthews

Film Score: 77.5

Athleticism Score: 7.7 (Elite)

Final Score: 76 (Round 1 or 2)

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