It’s hard enough playing in the NFL without having to answer the question of whether you will be as good or better than your older brother. Such is the life of Wisconsin linebacker TJ Watt.
Yes, that Watt – as in brother of JJ Watt and one of the best defensive players in the league today. Watt, who played his college ball at Wisconsin, isn’t as big as his older brother, but he still plays with an intensity that must be a family trait.
Playing outside linebacker after converting from tight end early in his college career, Watt posted 11½ sacks in 2016, was a consensus first-team All-Big Ten pick, earned multiple All-America honors, and decided to enter the NFL Draft with one year of eligibility remaining.
Watt’s performance in helping the Badgers beat LSU 16-14 helped put him on the map as a player, not JJ’s brother.
His athleticism and performance in post-season all-star games and later at the Combine has helped him to move up draft boards. As a result, some mock drafts have him projected as a late first-round pick.
In this player profile, we will look at the strengths and weaknesses of TJ Watt as he moves on to the next level. We also include a few teams that will be interested in adding help to their linebacking corps.
Strengths
The family name must account for something. TJ Watt plays with great intensity.
Uses his length and heavy hands to take on blocks, locking out to dictate the point of attack. He has edge acceleration to threaten the corner. Watt also has a natural balance and active feet to continue his momentum through contact. Attacks and disrupts the rhythm of blockers with his violence, He has great size at 6-foot-4 and 252 pounds
Weaknesses
First of all, he was a one-year starter. Secondly, he is a tweener with his size and bulk. Watt may have limited growth potential. Shows reaction quickness, but not naturally explosive. Rigid change of direction skills and doesn’t redirect with loose flexibility. However, he lacks efficient move-to-move transition skills.
Teams Interested
Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders