NFL Draft 2011: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin Is a Potential Dallas Cowboys Pick
On my initialย 2011 Big Board, I ranked Wisconsin defensive tackle/defensive end, J.J. Watt, at No. 30โfar lower than the consensus. ย This ranking was based on multiple live and taped games I had watched. ย To me, Watt seemed to have a low ceiling.
After watching more of Wattโs games at the request of some readers, my opinion has begun to shift (a bit). ย Perhaps I had witnessed some of Wattโs โaverageโ games, but the new film I saw was rather impressive. ย On my new Big Board (yet to be published), I have moved Watt up to No. 18 overall, just behind Muhammad Wilkerson, but ahead of DaQuan Bowers (in a free fall), Adrian Clayborn and Drake Nevis. ย Here is why...
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Scouting Report
One of my initial concerns about Watt is that, contrary to other reports, he doesnโt seem that stout at the point-of-attack. ย I still stand by that statement. ย Watt obviously has great size and strength, but when asked to hold ground against the run, heโs an average player. Itโs a bit perplexing, as Watt generally plays with superb leverage. ย I think his mindset changes when heโs not asked to get after the quarterback and he becomes more tentative. ย That could make him a poor fit in Rob Ryanโs two-gap scheme.
At 290 pounds, though, Watt seems to be a natural fit as a five-technique end. ย For his size, Watt is incredibly quick and agile. ย He finished in the top four among all defensive linemen in the bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle at the Combine. ย Quite impressive.
Watt uses that athleticism on the field in a diverse array of pass rush moves, including what I consider the best swim move in the class. ย His rip move and bull rush are also solid, particularly because of his leverage. ย Wattโs overall quickness is on display at the 3:25 mark belowโthis time from the defensive tackle position.
To go with his athleticism, Watt is also a high-motor player with a great work ethic. ย This makes his floor rather highโheโs not tremendously likely to be a bust. ย For a team that canโt afford to โmissโ on its first round pick, thatโs a great thing.
Nonetheless, I donโt think Watt is a serious candidate to go to Dallas at No. 9 overall. ย In my opinion, his ceiling is still โaverageโโlike my view on Sean Lee last year (whom I think I was wrong on, by the way), Iโm not sure how much better Watt will become. ย He could be a Marcus Spears clone (albeit quicker, but less of a force against the run). ย When compared to a player like Tyron Smith or, at his position, Cameron Jordan, Wattโs upside is far lower.
Overall, game tape such as that below made me alter Wattโs rating. ย Keep in mind this isย by farย the best tape on him I could find. ย The player the Cowboys would get is a cross between this one and the one I originally saw who is, at times, a second round talent with minimal upside.
Projection
Watt has moved up boards lately. ย I now think heโs a late-first round talent who, due to his measurables and work ethic, will get selected in the middle of the first round. ย If the Cowboys like Watt enough, they should probably make a move down for him. ย There are rumors they like Cameron Jordan quite a bit as well, and one of them will almost certainly be available at, say, New Englandโs 17th overall pick.
Other Potential Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks in 2011
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.jpg?w=2560 "Chiefs Chargers Football")
