2011 NFL Mock Draft: San Diego Chargers Are Fortunate to Pick Up J.J. Watt

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2011 NFL Mock Draft Gives Chargers Top Defender in Watt

2011 NFL Mock Draft No. 18 Pick: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

In most mock draft projections Watt is not expected to drop any further than No. 16 to the Jacksonville Jaguars. But the Jaguars’ decision to pick up the falling Da’Quan Bowers at their pick, made Watt available for the Chargers.

At this point in the draft, he becomes the best available defensive end.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper writes:

“Watt has a chance to be a tremendous player at that position. A high-energy guy capable of diagnosing plays, contributing in various schemes, and holding up well against the run while getting after quarterbacks in the pass game…”

With many scouts touting him as a can’t-miss prospect, drafting Watt becomes an easy decision for San Diego. In fact, Chargers general manager was reportedly said to be interested in moving up the draft just for a shot at picking up Watt.

1. Carolina Panthers: Blaine Gabbert, QB 2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT 3. Buffalo Bills: Cam Newton, QB 4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR	17. New England Patriots: Tyron Smith, OT 18. San Diego Chargers: J.J. Watt, DE 19. New York Giants: Nate Solder, OT 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, OLB 6. Cleveland Browns: Patrick Peterson, CB 7. San Francisco: Aldon Smith OLB/DE 8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT	21. Kansas City Chiefs: Akeem Ayers, OLB 22. Indianapolis Colts: Gabe Carimi, OT 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Castonzo,OT 24. New Orleans Saints: Adrian Clayborn, DE
9. Dallas Cowboys: Mike Pouncey, OG 10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR 11. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, OLB/DE 12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker, QB	25. Seattle Seahawks: Danny Watkins, OG 26. Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, CB 27. Atlanta Falcons: Cameron Jordan, DE 28. New England Patriots: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB 14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget, DT 15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB 16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Da’Quan Bowers, DE	29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT 30. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward, DE 31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Phil Taylor, DT 32. Green Bay Packers: Brooks Reed, OLB