2011 NFL Draft: What Has To Happen for the New England Patriots To Get J.J. Watt
The New England Patriots have the 17th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and though it's never smart to fall in love with one guy with Bill Belichick around, I have already found my main man.
His name is J.J. Watt, and he played defensive end at Wisconsin.
After trading their best defensive linemen, Richard Seymour, to the Oakland Raiders for a first-round draft pick, it's about time they cash in on one of the many available five-technique defensive linemen. Watt seems like one of the best fits, and the Patriots defense would be instantly upgraded by his presence alone.
A number of things have to happen for him to wear the Patriots uniform in 2011, but first, here's a small background on why I love J.J. Watt.
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Why I Love J.J. Watt
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J.J. Watt is everything the New England Patriots look for in a player.
He has the versatility, having played many different spots along the defensive line, from 3-4 defensive end to 4-3 end and tackle. Simply put, he can contribute in a number of ways, and would likely never have to come off the field as a three-down player.
We all know how much Bill Belichick loves his versatile players. As a result, I've grown to love them, too. But my love for Watt goes beyond that.
Are we looking at the second coming of Richard Seymour? The guy can make all the plays, from tackles to sacks to pressures and getting his hands up to bat a pass down. He is also an emotional leader in much the same way as Seymour, and Scouts Inc. pays him homage with their review of him, saying "Is absolutely relentless. Tremendous motor."
He plays with high energy for four quarters and never gives up on a play.
Run on Other Positions
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This is a very top-heavy class of offensive and defensive linemen, as well as linebackers. With a run on any given position, there are some prospects that could fall into the middle of the first round. At pick No. 17, the Patriots are in prime position to pick up a prospect rated high on their board.
As usual, the teams at the top of the draft have a lot of needs, so it could go any number of ways, but if the chips fall just right, so could J.J. Watt.
Even the top two wide receivers, Julio Jones and A.J. Green, could have an impact on how far Watt falls.
Twelve More Pounds
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J.J. Watt is currently listed at 288 pounds. He falls just short of the ideal weight for a five-technique defensive lineman (300 pounds), the type of lineman used primarily in the 3-4 defense.
It's important to remember, though, that weight isn't the be-all, end-all for linemen. Richard Seymour weighed in at just a shade under that ideal weight in the 2001 NFL Draft, but proved throughout his career to be an ideal fit for the Patriots defense.
Simply put, if Watt can draw double teams anywhere close to as often as Seymour did, he can be wildly successful in the 3-4 defense, regardless of his weight.
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Good Interview
4 of 6The interview process is one of the most important ones for the Patriots. They want to make sure that they're not just getting a good player, but a good person, too.
Too many first-round picks have gone wrong because a talented player just didn't have his priorities straight.
They also want to make sure they get someone with a high football IQ. The way they get an idea for a player is to run certain tests on them, such as having them diagram things back to them quickly after only seeing it once and reading back nomenclature, among other things.
Finally, the Pats also want to make sure they get someone who lives, breathes and eats football. All he cares about should be football. Just judging by the postgame press conference above, don't you think that's the case?
He Has To Be the Best Value Available
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Ultimately, no matter how much you or I want J.J. Watt (or any other player, for that matter), Bill Belichick will make the best decision for the football team.
Year after year, we've seen the Patriots pass on players that they were projected to take, or that seemed like a perfect fit. We may think he's the best player available, but only they know for sure. Only they have studied hours of film on each player.
Only they have sat in a room for a half hour, interviewing their top prospects.
Only they have all the knowledge necessary to make that decision.
What Do You Think?
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Is J.J. Watt a good fit for the Patriots?
Will he be available at No. 17?
Am I foolish for even thinking for a second that the Patriots would actually take someone I want them to take?
Perhaps there's a better fit? Many suggest that person to be Cameron Jordan, whose weight is more ideal for the position even though he's not as talented of a pass rusher.
But Watt is still my guy.
I guess the best thing to remember is that no matter who the Patriots get, there will be an influx of young, talented players on top of an already young, already talented roster.
I welcome your thoughts.
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