J. J. Watt

[vel]

J.J. Watts

School: Wisconsin

Position: DE

Year: Junior

Height: 6'6

Weight: 290

40 T: 4.85

Projection: 2nd Round

10/26/10 - After being named the Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week, J.J. Watt has picked up two more honors on Tuesday. He repeated as the Lott IMPACT Player of the Week and was named the Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week. Watt continued his stellar play against tough competition, recording one sack and two tackles for loss, part of a five-tackle day against the 12th-ranked Hawkeyes. In addition, he blocked an extra point in the first quarter, which proved to be the difference in the game. It was last week that Watt had four tackles, three of which went for a loss, two sacks and one quarterback hurry as the Badgers knocked off No. 1 Ohio State. Going up against the No. 1 and No. 12 teams in the country in the last two weeks, Watt has put up nine tackles, 3.0 sacks, 5.0 TFLs, one quarterback hurry and one blocked kick. Watt is second in the Big Ten and tied for seventh in the nation with 13.5 TFLs on the season, while his five sacks are good for third in the Big Ten. At Wisconsin, Watt leads the team in sacks, TFLs, quarterback hurries and blocked kicks and is tied for the team lead in forced fumbles and pass breakups. He sits third on the team in tackles.

Watt is one of those players that's simply playing his way into national attention. A blue-collar player who simply outworks and outhustles his opponent by wearing them down over the course of a game. Watt has the size and strength to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive line. He has a frame that could still add on weight. He is on both the Lombardi Trophy and Bronco Nagurski Trophy watch lists. Watt began his career as tight end at Central Michigan before transferring to Wisconsin and redshirting for a year in 2008. Moved to defensive end in 2009 and started every game. Plays great against the run, using his shoulders and arms to fight for position. Great vision and makes quick adjustments to the ball-carrier. Not a pure pass rusher, relies heavily on his strength and athleticism to beat slower offensive linemen. Watt progressed very rapidly and has some versatility along the Badgers' defensive line. Can play almost any position along the line. He uses a quick first step to dig into blockers, preferring to bull rush into them.

The kid is ruthless and close to Kerrigan. Given that we have looked at a number of LE's compared to RE's (Since Abe, Biermann, and Sid are more suited for RE)

[Kennesaw77]

way too big to play in our scheme. He would have to drop major weight.

Bierrman should be at LDE.

[vel]

way too big to play in our scheme. He would have to drop major weight.

Bierrman should be at LDE.

How is he way too big? JA98 is 6'6 289. Same size but Watt is a better (more capable) pass rusher. Possesses a good first step, strong, stout against the run, had two sacks on Terrelle Pryor and another couple of TFLs on him as well.

Also, we are looking at Allen Bailey and he is 6'4 285 (which is technically bigger than 6'6 290)

If you are going to argue, bring up facts. Not opinion.

[Kennesaw77]

How is he way too big? JA98 is 6'6 289. Same size but Watt is a better (more capable) pass rusher. Possesses a good first step, strong, stout against the run, had two sacks on Terrelle Pryor and another couple of TFLs on him as well.

Also, we are looking at Allen Bailey and he is 6'4 285 (which is technically bigger than 6'6 290)

dude runs like a 4.87 40. Way too slow for our scheme. JA98 is a physical freak a rare athletic specimen.

we looked at Bailey once and I'm not convinced we weren't looking at Hankerson unless you have a link that guarantees we were looking at Bailey.

[atljbo]

He is more of a 3-4 DE.... He doesnt fit this scheme... We want speed on the outside...

I dont think you can compare Allen Bailey and J.J Watts... Allen Bailey is a freak of nature. Bailey has the tools to be a good 4-3 DE (he is raw as a pass rusher) but i think he can play 3-4 DE now.... J.J Watts is more of a Tyson Jackson type guy... Better fit as a 3-4 DE.

[Kennesaw77]

agreed atljbo

[atljbo]

dude runs like a 4.87 40. Way too slow for our scheme. JA98 is a physical freak a rare athletic specimen.

we looked at Bailey once and I'm not convinced we weren't looking at Hankerson unless you have a link that guarantees we were looking at Bailey.

Yea... The dude from draftscout Chris Steuber said we like Bailey and is scouting him hard...

I think Bailey has the ability to be a Justin Tuck type guy... He is a lil raw because he has played so many positions.... LB,DT, and DE... But that just shows his athleticism...

I heard he is a hard working dude (look how ripped he is..lol) and he is a leader of the U

I would want Bailey playing around 275lbs - 280lbs

[vel]

dude runs like a 4.87 40. Way too slow for our scheme. JA98 is a physical freak a rare athletic specimen.

we looked at Bailey once and I'm not convinced we weren't looking at Hankerson unless you have a link that guarantees we were looking at Bailey.

Ok now that atljbo has provided more facts that you seem to overlook will you put your knee pads on for him as well?

But jbo, Bailey and Watt are projected to run around the same 40 times (I know they are just projections). Both possess good initial steps and are capable of collapsing a pocket (Bailey more than Watt). Both have skillsets to play both 4-3 and 3-4 with Watt being able to contribute slightly more in pass rushing than Bailey (not by much) but Bailey clearly has the higher ceiling.

The reason I mentioned Watt is because Bailey may not make it to the late 20s/30s. If Watt declares, he more than likely will.

[vel]

This is NFLDraftBible:

Skinny: A physical specimen, expectations have been set extremely high for Bailey, who is entering his first full year at defensive end. He previously played defensive tackle but switched to end during the final five games of last season—he did not register a sack in that stretch. At nearly 300 pounds, he has been timed in the 4.65-range and possesses a 40” vertical jump! Bailey is destined for round one.

Scout's Take

Few defensive line prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft will have the versatility of Miami’s soon-to-be-senior, Allen Bailey. Standing 6’4” and weighing approximately 290 pounds, Bailey has rare foot quickness and first-step explosion that should allow him to play in almost any scheme. The one-man Hurricane is big enough and strong enough to man defensive end in a 3-4 scheme or serve as a 4-3 tackle, while at the same time possessing the foot speed and burst necessary to play 4-3 defensive end. He has seen time at both end and tackle the past two seasons for Randy Shannon’s Miami squad. However, Bailey is raw. He needs to work on his technique and hand usage if he is going to fulfill his vast potential at the next level. But before he moves on to the league where they play for pay, the Georgia native must build on his strong finish to 2009. The first team all-ACC performer has just 14 career starts heading into his senior campaign and didn’t truly begin to come into his own until the second half of last season, when he recorded 7.5 of his 11 tackles for loss.

Does this worry you? He has the potential to boom or bust in my opinion. When I watch film, I try and picture him on our team. He is spotty. The WF film he collapses the pocket with ease but against FSU and GT he is spotty.

Edited November 9, 2010 by vel

[atljbo]

Ok now that atljbo has provided more facts that you seem to overlook will you put your knee pads on for him as well?

But jbo, Bailey and Watt are projected to run around the same 40 times (I know they are just projections). Both possess good initial steps and are capable of collapsing a pocket (Bailey more than Watt). Both have skillsets to play both 4-3 and 3-4 with Watt being able to contribute slightly more in pass rushing than Bailey (not by much) but Bailey clearly has the higher ceiling.

The reason I mentioned Watt is because Bailey may not make it to the late 20s/30s. If Watt declares, he more than likely will.

I was told Bailey ran a late 4.6's to early 4.7's this summer.

I dont think we will draft Bailey but i get why we are looking at him... J.J is a good player dont get me wrong.... He just does not have the speed we want our DE's to have... I honestly think he would be a JA98 in our scheme but probably a lil better as a pass rusher... I just think a 3-4 scheme best fit J.J (and allen bailey (or UT) .. I just think Bailey would be a better 4-3 DE then Watts )

The guy i was told that we are scouting hard is Da'Quan Bowers ... The only way we get dude is if we trade up big time... We would have to get into the top 15

[Rai]

This draft is full of really good 3-4 ends and Watt is one of them. From what I've seen on him, I'd give him a 1st ground grade but I doubt he'll go that high with other quality ends in the draft. He'd be wise to stay in college for another year and potentially be a top-20 pick come next year.

[Kennesaw77]

The guy i was told that we are scouting hard is Da'Quan Bowers ... The only way we get dude is if we trade up big time... We would have to get into the top 15

I'm a big Bowers fan. Dude is a top 10 pick if he declares.

[Kennesaw77]

Ok now that atljbo has provided more facts that you seem to overlook will you put your knee pads on for him as well?

and all you have is supposed facts from some unproven website.

[Mr Pickle1]

I was told Bailey ran a late 4.6's to early 4.7's this summer.

I dont think we will draft Bailey but i get why we are looking at him... J.J is a good player dont get me wrong.... He just does not have the speed we want our DE's to have... I honestly think he would be a JA98 in our scheme but probably a lil better as a pass rusher... I just think a 3-4 scheme best fit J.J (and allen bailey (or UT) .. I just think Bailey would be a better 4-3 DE then Watts )

The guy i was told that we are scouting hard is Da'Quan Bowers ... The only way we get dude is if we trade up big time... We would have to get into the top 15

I like Bowers a lot...but there are only so many DE's that can be taken in this draft, and Bower's clearly fits as a 4-3 guy, not a 3-4 rusher.

Quinn/J.Houston/Bowers/Bailey/Cameron Heyward/A. Smith/A. Clayborn/Kerrigan/Beal/Marcel Dareus....

That's an awful, awful lot of guys who can play DE/3-4 end/rush backer who project as 1st rounders or early 2nd round guys. I could see anyone on that list slipping, simply due to overwhelming numbers on the dline this year, assuming some key underclassmen declare.

If we want an impact DE, we can get one this year, in the 1st or 2nd round. Quinn/Houston/Bowers/Smith are the ones I have my eye on.

[vel]

and all you have is supposed facts from some unproven website.

You have NO facts. None of us are professional scouts so we have to look at websites and youtube videos to learn about players. You think you're special because you try and rate players in your spare time but get mad when somebody calls you out because your ratings don't match those of the people who do it for a living.

Until you get a website and get paid for your draft prospect ratings, you're no better than anybody on here.

Now that's a FACT.

Edited November 10, 2010 by vel

[Kennesaw77]

You have NO facts. None of us are professional scouts so we have to look at websites and youtube videos to learn about players. You think you're special because you try and rate players in your spare time but get mad when somebody calls you out because your ratings don't match those of the people who do it for a living.

Until you get a website and get paid for your draft prospect ratings, you're no better than anybody on here.

Now that's a FACT.

not true at all. hahaha actually almost everything I say matches up EXACTLY with what other say.

I have never acted like I have but you insist on saying you're better and don't listen to my opinion just because i don't use "facts" when facts are hard to come by when talking about players it's ALL opinion based.

Edited November 10, 2010 by Kennesaw77

[A-TowN.-]

I am going to agree with the OP, been watching Watt for a while and while he is big, he could be a great LDE for us. He is one inch shorter than Peppers and around 8 pounds heavier. That isn't much of a difference.

Being over 275 does NOT equal a good 3-4 player. J.J. has been playing in a 4 man front for his time there, it would take more coaching to put him at a 3-4 DE than to keep him where he is. He is such a good DE for Wisconsin, really has a great jump for his size.

I suggest people watch a few games of him before just looking at his size. I think it is quite funny how people just assume he is a 3-4 DE. Okay give me reasons why he is a good 5 technique DE more so than a 4-3 DE. I bet you won't find many more reasons. He would be good at both arguably, but he isn't a bad 4-3 DE prospect like some think. Like I said explain why he isn't a good 4-3 DE, or wouldn't be for us. And don't bring up 40 time because his long speed may not be great, but his quickness and jump off the snap is awesome.

Good size at 6'6, 292. Solid pass rusher, as Jim Tressel said "best hands from a DE I've seen." Apparently very great hand use, along with a very quick first step. Great bull rush, can really move linemen around while going after the QB. Nice spin move, rip move, and if you pair that with his jump off the snap you get a very good pass rusher. Has been double teamed a lot. Beats OTs with speed as well. Outstanding motor. Good block shedding. Hard worker, film fanatic, very dedicated. Very strong and powerful, good long arms. Good versus the run. Can hold down his side at the POA. Has experience playing both DE and DT in a four-man front. Very versatile and reliable. Has never missed a game. Very good on special teams. Some believe he can play in either a 4-3 and 3-4. He is a fast learner, very coachable, and will do what it takes. Team first kind of guy, always thinking of others.

[A-TowN.-]

also look at Lamarr Houston, dude has 4 sacks his rookie year playing as a DE, he is 6'2 300 lbs.

When I look at him I see a perfect LDE. He's a great pass rusher too, strong enough to move an OT, fast enough to turn the corner and get a good jump. Hands are violent.

Just look at him guys I know you won't be let down, and youtube don't count either.

[atljbo]

I am going to agree with the OP, been watching Watt for a while and while he is big, he could be a great LDE for us. He is one inch shorter than Peppers and around 8 pounds heavier. That isn't much of a difference.

Being over 275 does NOT equal a good 3-4 player. J.J. has been playing in a 4 man front for his time there, it would take more coaching to put him at a 3-4 DE than to keep him where he is. He is such a good DE for Wisconsin, really has a great jump for his size.

I suggest people watch a few games of him before just looking at his size. I think it is quite funny how people just assume he is a 3-4 DE. Okay give me reasons why he is a good 5 technique DE more so than a 4-3 DE. I bet you won't find many more reasons. He would be good at both arguably, but he isn't a bad 4-3 DE prospect like some think. Like I said explain why he isn't a good 4-3 DE, or wouldn't be for us. And don't bring up 40 time because his long speed may not be great, but his quickness and jump off the snap is awesome.

Good size at 6'6, 292. Solid pass rusher, as Jim Tressel said "best hands from a DE I've seen." Apparently very great hand use, along with a very quick first step. Great bull rush, can really move linemen around while going after the QB. Nice spin move, rip move, and if you pair that with his jump off the snap you get a very good pass rusher. Has been double teamed a lot. Beats OTs with speed as well. Outstanding motor. Good block shedding. Hard worker, film fanatic, very dedicated. Very strong and powerful, good long arms. Good versus the run. Can hold down his side at the POA. Has experience playing both DE and DT in a four-man front. Very versatile and reliable. Has never missed a game. Very good on special teams. Some believe he can play in either a 4-3 and 3-4. He is a fast learner, very coachable, and will do what it takes. Team first kind of guy, always thinking of others.

Athletically... You cant even put Peppers and Watts in the same sentence... you cant really use that as a example...

[A-TowN.-]

Athletically... You cant even put Peppers and Watts in the same sentence... you cant really use that as a example...

I didn't say he was athletically like him. I said he is one inch shorter and 8 pounds heavier. Mario Williams is heavier than him and just as tall. I don't see why people assume he is a 3-4 DE. He is just a big DE, he could be a great LDE for a long time. Doesn't need to be athletic to be good, he has a lot of attributes perfect for the LDE spot.

[hakim24]

I didn't say he was athletically like him. I said he is one inch shorter and 8 pounds heavier. Mario Williams is heavier than him and just as tall. I don't see why people assume he is a 3-4 DE. He is just a big DE, he could be a great LDE for a long time. Doesn't need to be athletic to be good, he has a lot of attributes perfect for the LDE spot.

What they are saying is that it takes special athletic ability to be able to stay at that size and make an impact as a pass rusher on the outside.

Mario Williams and Julius Peppers have that rare ability. Unfortunately those type guys don't grow on trees and it would be a stretch to find somebody at that size, with limited athletic ability who is a great pass rusher.

[atljbo]

I didn't say he was athletically like him. I said he is one inch shorter and 8 pounds heavier. Mario Williams is heavier than him and just as tall. I don't see why people assume he is a 3-4 DE. He is just a big DE, he could be a great LDE for a long time. Doesn't need to be athletic to be good, he has a lot of attributes perfect for the LDE spot.

Because athletically Mario Williams can rush like a speed rusher with great strength...

[A-TowN.-]

Because athletically Mario Williams can rush like a speed rusher with great strength...

I am not comparing the two as far as assets, just size. He wouldn't be a good 3-4 DE, when he gets doubled he struggles, but in a 4-3 I think he could excel. He is pretty quick and very strong.

[atljbo]

I am not comparing the two as far as assets, just size. He wouldn't be a good 3-4 DE, when he gets doubled he struggles, but in a 4-3 I think he could excel. He is pretty quick and very strong.

Dude you are talking about 2 different animals (Watts and Williams).... No one ever said Mario Williams would be a nice 3-4 guy because his size....

[A-TowN.-]

Dude you are talking about 2 different animals (Watts and Williams).... No one ever said Mario Williams would be a nice 3-4 guy because his size....

Lol when did I ever say that????! I am comparing the size, people are complaining bout his size making him more of a 3-4 DE, saying he needs to slim down. I was giving an example of big DEs. You don't have to be a freak like Williams to be a good 275+ LDE. I never said they are alike, never said Williams would be a 3-4 DE, don't put words in my mouth.

EDIT: I think you misread what I said.

Edited December 7, 2010 by A-TowN.-