Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Profile: T.J. Watt
T.J. Watt did not play a ton of football in college. In a career marred by injury, Watt struggled to get on the field until breaking through as a starter in 2016. 63 tackles and 11.5 sacks later and he will forgo a senior season in exchange for his shot at the pros.
The 6-foot-4, 252-pound prospect increased his draft stock after a strong combine showing. Watt ran the 40 yard dash in 4.69 seconds and jumped 37 inches, placing second among linebackers.
Strengths: Watt has really good technique. He uses strength and hand placement to win against offense linemen. His variety of moves is highlighted by a push-pull technique that is highly effective in getting opposing lineman off-balance and out of position.
A strong swim move over the top is also prominent on film. However, maybe Watt’s strongest attribute is his motor. As the saying goes, he runs around like his hair is on fire.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had this to say about Watt’s best qualities:
"Produced at high-end level with just one season of full-time football. Has desired length for the edge with room to accommodate more size. Attacks blockers with early arm extension and utilizes push-pull technique to upset their balance as his pet move against run and pass. Outstanding hand play in his game…Always ready to leap into passing lane and deflect the throw. Strikes fast and early to create leverage points… Understands art of quick disengagements and can flatten out against outside run… Functional in space when asked to cover. Can get skinny when shooting gaps and has decisiveness and pursuit quickness to crash down the line and close-out cutback lanes. Consistent, wrap-up finisher as tackler.Produced at high-end level with just one season of full-time football. Has desired length for the edge with room to accommodate more size. Attacks blockers with early arm extension and utilizes push-pull technique to upset their balance as his pet move against run and pass. Outstanding hand play in his game…Always ready to leap into passing lane and deflect the throw. Strikes fast and early to create leverage points… Understands art of quick disengagements and can flatten out against outside run… Functional in space when asked to cover. Can get skinny when shooting gaps and has decisiveness and pursuit quickness to crash down the line and close-out cutback lanes. Consistent, wrap-up finisher as tackler."
Weaknesses: The obvious knock on Watt is that he has been injury-prone. After suffering two knee injuries in his time at Wisconsin, teams will be extra careful to assess his long-term durability. He isn’t the most dynamic athlete and will most often not beat the guy across from him with speed.
Related: DeShone Kizer draft profile
Furthermore, there is still question as to what position Watt would fit best in whether it be a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. There have even been rumors that teams are working him out at inside linebacker.
Zierlein expressed these concerns about Watt:
"Not overly twitched-up as an athlete. Short strider who lacks explosion out of stance and up the field to bend the edge as a pass rusher. Foot quickness is average and needs to win with technique and great hand play. Won’t generate enough acceleration to crank up speed-to-power rush with consistency. Plays with a narrow base. Needs to play with more consistent bend to play through redirection by offensive line. Will have to add power in his base to hold point of attack against tackles. Pass rush menu will need more options against NFL tackles."
Watt has a lot to offer but could he fit the Browns system?