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J.J. Watt Achieves Rare Distinction According To NFL

By Erik Lambert

Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cam Newton may be ranked as the Top 100 player of 2016, but that’s because he’s a quarterback. Based on recent results, J.J. Watt may be the best period.

This shouldn’t be considered the greatest surprise. Watt just turned 27-years old and already he’s a four-time Pro Bowler, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, has 79.5 sacks, 45 pass deflections, 15 forced fumbles and five touchdowns. Most experts would call that an excellent career and this guy has just begun to touch his physical and mental prime. That is what scares so many people about the seasons to come. He may be just getting started.

How does one validate the assessment of his dominance? The fact that he’s the only player in the league who has made not one but two top three rankings in the league. Watt was considered the second best pass rusher in the league by a panel of experts at NFL.com. Then he became the only player to appear in a second category, ranking as the #2 best interior defensive lineman in football as well.

EDGE RUSHER

"GOLD MEDAL: Von Miller, Denver Broncos (44 total points)SILVER MEDAL: J.J. Watt, Houston Texans (37)BRONZE MEDAL: Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders (32)"

INTERIOR DL

"GOLD MEDAL: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams (41 total points)SILVER MEDAL: J.J. Watt, Houston Texans (29)BRONZE MEDAL: Geno Atkins, Cincinnati Bengals (15)"

Being the best at one position is good enough in this league, given how specialized it is. So for J.J. Watt to nearly own the top spot at two is a testament to his freakish mix of size, power, athleticism and relentless effort. He believes he’s great and backs it up on every single snap. Doesn’t matter if he’s double or triple-teamed. One way or another, he’ll find the football.

Here is how some of the experts explained their choosing him for this category.

"Gil Brandt:  “I’ll always wonder how people doubted, when Watt was coming out of high school, whether he would ever be big enough to play tight end. Watt is one of the most dominant defensive linemen of all time and could very easily become the best when it’s all said and done.”Marcas Grant:  “I just as easily could have listed Watt among the edge rushers, but Watt is too good at too many things to be pigeonholed like that.”Charley Casserly:  “Watt is the best DL in football, no matter where you line him up.”"

There is no doubt the respect out there for J.J. Watt is widespread and massive. He’s earned every bit of it of course. The question looking ahead is how much better he can get and for how long he can keep it up.

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