Wisconsin DE/DT, JJ Watt

[TheFinisher]

I've been following this guy throughout the year and he has been just as good as Nick Fairley. Watt stands 6'6 290 pounds, but has a huge frame and could easily add another 20 pounds without losing much speed or quickness. He has an excellent first step and was a terror rushing the passer, the guy has a non stop motor and is a high energy player. Watt's stock has risen to the top 15-20 range right now, but I think once scout's take a better look at him it won't be crazy to think he will be a top 10 pick. I'd love to add a guy like this to our defensive line, he's one of those rare 5-techs that can consistently get after the QB and be equally disruptive in the run game.

[youtube]8QT2-mRCgX0[/youtube]

 

[The Realist]

I was going to start a thread on him today.

He and Jared Crick (if he comes out) are my favorite 3-4 DE's in the draft.

Watt had 20 TFL's and 7 sacks this year to go along with 9 PBU's (insane number for a DE). 15 TFL and 4.5 sacks in 2009 to go with 5 PBU.

I like him mid 1 but I prefer to resign Spears and not take a 3-4 DE in 1-3.

 

[braw]

I think he will fall into the 2nd round because he doesnt come with the fan fare of Jordan, Heyward, Clayborn, Dareus, Quinn, Kerrigan, Fairly, Nevis, Bowers. IMO he is a better fit for our 3-4 than the rest of them. If we dont resign Spears then moving Ratliff to the DE position and drafting Watt would be a good fit. Then you have to address the NT position later in draft or FA.

 

[Brooksey]

I like this guy, he gets after it in both the running and pass game and creates turnovers.

 

[TheFinisher]

I like this guy, he gets after it in both the running and pass game and creates turnovers.

He reminds me of a bigger version of Jared Allen with his tenacity.

 

[RS12]

Like him alot but not at 9.

 

[The Realist]

He reminds me of a bigger version of Jared Allen with his tenacity.

Very, very high motor guy.

Still don't know how a DE gets 9 PBU's.

 

[Cover 2]

He reminds me of a bigger version of Jared Allen with his tenacity.

I'm a huge Watt fan, but he reminds me more of Justin Smith. And not just because he's white, but because they have very similar styles.

 

[realtick]

I'm a huge Watt fan, but he reminds me more of Justin Smith. And not just because he's white, but because they have very similar styles.

If you're looking for a Justin Smith clone, look no further than Adrian Clayborn; same size and playing style.

 

[Cover 2]

If you're looking for a Justin Smith clone, look no further than Adrian Clayborn; same size and playing style.

I haven't actually watched Clayborn play, but have heard a lot about him. It seems like he may be a top 10 pick. If he truly is a Justin Smith clone sign me up. If we could get a d-lineman besides Ratliff that could provide a pass rush, that would be huge. Especially if Spencer can put together a huge year (wishful thinking).

What are your thoughts on Clayborn? Strengths? Weaknesses?

 

[realtick]

I haven't actually watched Clayborn play, but have heard a lot about him. It seems like he may be a top 10 pick. If he truly is a Justin Smith clone sign me up. If we could get a d-lineman besides Ratliff that could provide a pass rush, that would be huge. Especially if Spencer can put together a huge year (wishful thinking).

What are your thoughts on Clayborn? Strengths? Weaknesses?

Well, that's the thing, he's a Justin Smith clone for both the good and the bad.

Smith and Clayborn are effort guys who don't offer much as far pass-ruch technique outside of a straight-on bullrush and club. They make-do with tenacity, effort and the help of others breaking down the pocket forcing the QB their way.

Clayborn's sacks took a nosedive from 11 in '09 to just 4 this season. Really it looks like his '09 season was just an abberation because his other years he's tallied just 2 sacks in '07 and 2 sacks in '08.

Both are listed at 6'4" 285, although I'd be willing to bet when the combine rolls around Clayborn's official height will be around an inch shorter.

I don't think he's a blue-chip Top 10 player, in fact, I think his stock will drop precipitacly into the 2nd round. At that point, he may be a good value pick IMO.

 

[dbair1967]

Like him with our 2nd rd pick.

 

[newlander]

Like him with our 2nd rd pick.

....I saw Wisconsin play about 5 times this year. Watt is a VERY nice player indeed. Compares favorably to Jay Ratliff quite frankly in stature, size, motor and ability. He'd be a nice pick late in the first round: won't be around in the 2nd. So we could trade down to 14-18 range and still get him IMO.

As for Gabe Carimi, I do NOT understand the fascination gents. There's a reason many Badger Olinemen don't translate well to the NFL. They are un-athletic, slow and plodding. The system at Wisky is fine for the COLLEGE game, but you have to be able to MOVE in the NFL. Carimi will have the same problem that Leonard Davis had playing tackle in the NFL: he simply isn't agile enough. HE'd be a good choice in the 2nd round for a team that has the patience and time to move him to guard.

As for Clayborn I've seen him play roughly 12 times the last 2 years including once in person. He's overrated guys. He takes too many plays off and can be overpowered by big, physical olinemen. (see the Wisconsin game where he was nonexistent) Stay away from this kid: in ANY round!

 

[realtick]

As for Gabe Carimi, I do NOT understand the fascination gents. There's a reason many Badger Olinemen don't translate well to the NFL. They are un-athletic, slow and plodding. The system at Wisky is fine for the COLLEGE game, but you have to be able to MOVE in the NFL. Carimi will have the same problem that Leonard Davis had playing tackle in the NFL: he simply isn't agile enough. HE'd be a good choice in the 2nd round for a team that has the patience and time to move him to guard.

I disagree regarding the bit about Carimi. I think Carimi has all the requesite tools needed to play RT in the league for the next 10+ years. Now, one could argue the value of taking a RT at #9, which I would probably agree with. However, I wouldn't bat an eye if we moved down to 14-20 range to take him.

If you told me you could you take care of your RT position for the next 10 years by drafting a player at say, #15, I'd do it in a second.

I think the offensive linemen from Wisconsin a lot of people are overrating is John Moffitt.

 

[Cover 2]

I think the offensive linemen from Wisconsin a lot of people are overrating is John Moffitt.

He'd be fine in the 4th round, but I don't know if I would be happy if we took him before that. Carimi and Moffitt aren't even the best players on their line IMO.

To get back on topic though, JJ Watt is a playmaker and I made a thread about a month back wanting Fairley in the 1st, and Watt in the 2nd. Unnfortunately it now looks like neither will be available at those spots.