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T.J. Watt Draws Comparison To Pro Bowl Outside Linebacker

By Erik Lambert

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos offensive lineman Taylor Moton (72) and Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos offensive lineman Taylor Moton (72) and Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos offensive lineman Taylor Moton (72) and Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos offensive lineman Taylor Moton (72) and Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Mayock is one of the most respected draft analysts in the country, and he may have just done edge rusher T.J. Watt a huge favor.

During a conference call with MMQB, Mayock covered all sorts of topics about the upcoming NFL draft class. He expressed confusions and concern about the quarterback group. Namely the lack of any Day 1 starters. He’s in awe of the tight ends from both the top tier talent and the depth. Of course he reserved his highest praise for the defensive groups. Namely the edge rushers, cornerbacks and safeties.

One of the more fascinating statements he made was in regards to Wisconsin outside linebacker T.J. Watt. Known best as the brother of superstar defensive end J.J. Watt, people are anxious to know where another member of the family is ready to terrorize quarterbacks. Mayock didn’t hold back in his praise of T.J., even going so far as to compare him to a current Pro Bowl star.

"“The easy comparison is Clay Matthews. He’s an edge rusher who fits best into a 3-4 system. He has a similar game to Clay — an edge who can drop in coverage and has a motor that just won’t stop.”"

Of course people will scoff at such an idea but it’s not crazy. The two share similar physical dimensions. Both are versatile athletes who can line up at different spots on the field and understand how to launch an unrelenting attack on the quarterback, powering through or around blockers. To top it off, they each have a tendency for making big plays.

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Teams just aren’t sure if Watt is explosive enough to warrant a 1st round pick. He’s not an explosive athlete and doesn’t showcase burst off the snap. His game centers around energy, effort and versatility. It seems to have worked fine for Matthews. He’s reached six Pro Bowls already in his career with 83.5 sacks and a Super Bowl ring. It’s amazing to think he’s only 30-years old.

If Watt comes anywhere close to that same level of play, some team is going to get a steal this coming April. Big brother will certainly be proud.

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