Fansided
Fansided

NFL Pro Bowl: First-Timer Projections For All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
27 of 32
Next
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens fumbles as he is sacked by T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens fumbles as he is sacked by T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Pittsburgh Steelers

player. 55. . OLB. Pittsburgh Steelers. T.J. Watt . 27

A lot of teams are probably still kicking themselves over letting T.J. Watt fall to the 30th pick in the draft. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers are certainly grateful. His arrival helped springboard them to boasting the best pass rush in the NFL last season. Watt was a big part of that drive, posting a respectable seven sacks in 15 games. The inexperience issues are gone. He’ll be in firm pro football shape this season. Everything is lined up for him to have a big year.

The best part is he gets to play across from an excellent offense that’s going to put up a lot of points. Part of why the Steelers were so good at rushing the passer was because they played with a lot of leads, forcing other teams to throw more often. Watt has that mix of athleticism, length and relentlessness that’s going to serve him well as his arsenal of moves continue to grow. He could be the first proper outside linebacker they’ve gotten to a Pro Bowl in a long time.

Home/Power Rankings