2011 NFL Mock Draft: New England Patriots Can't Pass on Pass Rusher JJ Watt

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

In the 2011 NFL Mock Draft, the New England Patriots select University of Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt with the No. 17 pick in the first round.

The Patriots focused on linebacker Justin Houston with their other first round pick at No. 28, and now they sure up the front line with Watt of the Badgers. Those two picks will make them younger, stronger and faster immediately, which is definitely what they defense needs.

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. says that Watt is "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."

That is just the type of player Bill Belichik would love to coach. He would fit in instantly on the Patriots' front line, and could become a dominant presence for years to come. The team has still been looking for someone who could replace Richard Seymour after they traded him away for, well, this pick. Choosing his replacement here only seems natural.

Fellow ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay also agrees that the Pats need to improve their defense up front, and Watt would be the ideal selection at No. 17.

"Watt is best-suited for the kind of three-man front New England runs, which can utilize him primarily as a 5-technique but is also flexible enough to move him around and take advantage of his ability to do some things in space," says McShay. "The Patriots are always a trade possibility but because they already have six picks in the first three rounds it makes sense to address their needs along the front seven at this point."

With Watt up front to help out put some pressure on the opposing quarterbacks and help out in stopping the run, it gives their secondary even more of an opportunity to create some turnovers that will lead to an even shorter field for Tom Brady and the offense.

Simply put, New England drafting Watt for their defense could even cause havoc for opposing defenses. It is the closest thing to drafting a two-way player in the NFL as you can get.

If the Pats do not select Watt, or trade up - or down - once again in the draft, depending on where they end up, expect to hear the name of either Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), Akeem Ayers (UCLA), Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson), Corey Liuget (Illinois), Aldon Smith (Missouri) or Adrian Clayborn (Iowa).

For more on the draft needs of the Patriots, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Patriots Featured Columnist Erik Frenz, who takes a look at the 2011 NFL Draft: Five Possible New England Patriots Draft Day Trade Scenarios.

Most recent updates:

Flag

Props (0)