NFL Draft: Steelers Select T.J. Watt in the First Round
With the 30th Pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select…
Watt. A. Pick.
T.J. Watt, the younger brother of NFL veteransJ.J. WattandDerek Watt, is a Pittsburgh Steeler. God, that sounds awesome. This is a player that a lot of experts had pegged as a perfect fit for the Steelers. He should contribute immediately as a situational pass rusher.#Blessed
T.J. took to Twitter to share his excitement about the opportunity:
Pittsburgh!!!!!!!!!!
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt)April 28, 2017
Watt Can We Expect From T.J.?
Watt has an ideal frame for the position at 6′ 4″, 252 lbs. His size is complemented by production. In his one year as a starter, Watt produced to the tune of 63 tackles, 15.5 for loss, and 11.5 sacks. As a result, the redshirt junior was named a second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honoree.
T.J., like his brother J.J., has an incredible motor. Watt isn’t going to win with speed very often but he uses his hands well, never takes a play off and he’s incredibly athletic for his size.He tested very well at the combine, finishing as a top performer in five of the seven tests – the three cone drill, 20 yard shuttle, 60 yard shuttle, vertical jump and broad jump. Someone call Woody Harrelson, white men can jump!
The biggest concern with Watt is his lack of experience at the outside linebacker position. He was only a one-year starter at Wisconsin. Prior to the 2016 season, he played tight end and struggled to stay on the field due to injury.
Bottom Line: Watt has the physical traits and intangibles necessary to grow into a Pro Bowl caliber linebacker. The combination ofBud DupreeandT.J. Wattcould be very special.
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Watt Will the Steelers Address Next?
Look for the Steelers to address their secondary on Day 2. Other positions to carefully watch are quarterback, tight end and inside linebacker.
It isn’t a question ofifthe Steelers will draft an inside linebacker, it’s a matter ofwhen.
The answer to that question will undoubtedly reflect the team’s level of confidence inVince Williamsmoving forward. Williams enters 2017 as the projected starter opposite ofRyan Shazierafter linchpin linebackerLawrence Timmonsleft (alliteration game on point) for Miami in free agency.
Next: Steelers Pre-Draft Strengths and Weaknesses
Cool Stuff from Wisconsin
The Wisconsin football program reached out via Twitter to let Steelers fans know they got one of the good guys:
Lastly, I’m not buying into the “Steelers need to draft a wide receiver” hype. Wide receiver could be an option on Day 3, but this team has much more immediate needs at CB, TE, S, ILB and yes, even QB.