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Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Profile: T.J. Watt

By Joshua Dentler

Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) is pressured by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in the first half during the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) is pressured by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in the first half during the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns could look at a player with a familiar name in the NFL Draft to help improve a defense that has been horrible the past few years.

By now it’s no secret, the Cleveland Browns are using the 2017 draft to build a defense. New defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is officially at the helm and one would be crazy to think his input doesn’t matter.

Disregarding any swirling rumors, all signs still point to the Browns getting a stud pass rusher with the first pick. There is also a consensus that issues in the secondary will be most likely be taken care of fairly earlier in the weekend. Where else can the team improve on this side of the ball?

Honestly, the whole defense could use improvements.  A linebacker to complement Jamie Collins would be ideal while run-stoppers in the middle always come at a premium. It really comes down to what Gregg Williams values highest.

A hallmark of Williams’ defensive scheme is an aggressive third-down package. Schematically, there is a change from a base 4-3 look to an Okie front containing three down lineman. The different variations of Williams’ third-down looks are dependent on the strengths of his players from year to year. He gets creative in highlighting these varying strengths but be clear, the guy wants to blitz.

With that in mind, the Browns should consider looking into pass rushers. Last draft, they nabbed two such players in Carl Nassib from Penn State and Emmanuel Ogbah out of Oklahoma State. It already appears they will have one of them wrapped up in this draft as well. But you can never have too many guys talented in getting to the quarterback. Who else is potentially out there?

The name Watt is sure to make some ears perk. It is unfair to compare T.J. Watt to his big brother but there is one characteristic they have in common. Both guys can create mayhem for opposing quarterbacks.

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