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Pittsburgh Steelers: Top 5 draft picks from the 2010’s

By David Glancy

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Linebacker. player. 809. Wisconsin. T.J. Watt. 30. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

TJ Watt, OLB

Few players have been able to make as much of an impact in just three years than T.J. Watt has after being selected 30th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Watt earned a starting spot over veteran James Harrison prior to Week 1 of his rookie season and registered two sacks and an interception in his NFL debut. Watt would miss one game as a rookie and finished his first season in Pittsburgh with seven sacks and an interception.

Watt followed up on a strong rookie season with his first Pro-Bowl appearance in 2018. Watt would go on to start all 16 games, registering 13 sacks and finished tied for second across the league with Khalil Mack, forcing six fumbles. Watt has quickly moved up the NFL standings one of the league’s top edge rushers.

Watt ranks fifth in the NFL in sacks with 34.5 since joining the league in 2017, trailing only Chandler Jones, Aaron Donald, Cameron Jordan, and Danielle Hunter. After forcing a league-high 8 fumbles the past season, no defender has accounted for more forced fumbles than Watt’s 15 since entering the league. Watt has earned Pro Bowl honors twice during his three-year career and All-Pro honors once, after contending for Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.

Watt has quickly become one of the NFL’s great defenders and is one of the most dynamic playmakers on the field. Watt has accounted for 22 turnovers during his three years and has been a key difference in turning the Pittsburgh Steelers defense around to one of the best all-around units in the league.

If he can continue to stay healthy, Watt should become one of the Steelers all-time leading defenders.

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