Steelers stay put and draft T.J. Watt at 30th-overall
With the 30th overall selection in the 2017 NFL draft, the Steelers have selected T.J. Watt, outside linebacker from the University of Wisconsin. Watt, the younger brother of Houston Texans’ Pro Bowl defensive end, J.J. Watt was considered one of the top edge rushers in the draft. Watt was projected to be selected late in the first round and landed in a wonderful spot for both the player and the team.
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Selecting an edge rusher fills a major priority in the draft for the Steelers. At six-foot-four-inches tall and weighing 252 pounds, Watt played outside linebacker in the Badgers 3-4 scheme. Watt is a great scheme fit for head coach Mike Tomlin and linebacker coach, Joey Porter.
At Wisconsin, Watt lined up on the outside and up the middle. Watt has great hands and quickness to shed the initial blockers. Watt missed two season due to knee injuries but was able to stay healthy enough to make an impact his junior year. Starting for only the 2016 season at Wisconsin, he registered 71-total-tackles and 11.5 sacks. Ideally, Watt would have more experience but he made splashy plays on film; he reacts well and shows great vision.
Making the transition from college to the professional game, Watt may need to add some weight and mature his pass rushing moves. The Steelers met with nine outside linebackers prior to the draft. Watt met with the Steelers privately at his Pro Day on March 15th; they obviously liked what they saw and heard.
Watt has a nice mix of athleticism and energy. If Watt is able to put everything together he will be fun to watch in black and gold. He is the edge rusher that the Steelers were hoping would be around at pick 30 and can make an impact on defense.
Lastly, the December 25 Christmas day game versus Houston just turned into a Watt family reunion. The Watt family has a great pedigree in the NFL. T.J. is the first Wisconsin defender to be drafted in the first round since his brother, J.J. If the Steelers can get a player with a motor similar to T.J.’s brother, they will have a great player on their hands.
One can only hope the Texans play J.J. at tight end so that the brothers can line up across from each other. The Christmas game just got a nice little bow atop of that present.
Scott Menk writes about the Steelers for cover32 and can be followed on Twitter @SGMENK.
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