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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 7

By Shawn Spencer

Dec 26, 2015; El Paso, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Stacy Coley (3) reacts after having a touchdown reception called back on a penalty during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Cougars won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; El Paso, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Stacy Coley (3) reacts after having a touchdown reception called back on a penalty during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Cougars won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft T.J. Watt
Apr 23, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) reacts during the Wisconsin spring football game at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Network /

T.J. Watt (OLB – Wisconsin) vs. Ohio State

The last time Wisconsin and Ohio State shared the field, the Buckeyes won 59-0 in the 2014 Big Ten title game. T.J. Watt missed that entire season as a result of a major knee injury, but there’s no doubt he, and the rest of the Wisconsin roster, are out for revenge.

With Vince Biegel, Wisconsin’s other starting outside linebacker out for the game, the onus will be on Watt to make up for Biegel’s lost production. Watt already has 5.5 sacks on the season through five games, and will look to create problems for J.T. Barrett and the Ohio State offense.

Watt, a former tight end for the Badgers, played sparingly last season, but has really improved his stock as a starter at OLB this year. As a junior he could wait until 2018, however a solid performance against an undefeated Ohio State team in prime time could open the door for him to declare for the 2017 NFL Draft. If he does declare, he’ll likely be selected earlier than expected based on his potential and pedigree.

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