Arizona Cardinals: How JJ Watt affects the team’s 2021 draft plans
The Arizona Cardinals have made one of the first big non-quarterback splashes of the 2021 NFL offseason, signing veteran defensive end JJ Watt to a two-year contract.
In case anyone was wondering, Watt himself broke two major pieces of news on Monday morning.
First of all, he doesn’t own a Peloton.
i don’t own a bike. stop.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 1, 2021
If you know, you know…
Second of all, he didn’t let any other NFL reporter break the news of his signing in Arizona. He did it himself.
source: me. pic.twitter.com/1Y6okQBUy5
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 1, 2021
Watt is joining the Cardinals after what was, frankly, a surefire Hall of Fame career with the Houston Texans.
Although injuries have limited him in recent years, Watt has averaged 13 sacks per 16 games in his 10-year NFL career. He also averages a whopping eight passes batted per 16 games in his NFL career.
Even if those numbers are heavily weighted toward the first half of Watt’s NFL career, there is no question he’s capable of being an impact player for the Arizona Cardinals and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
In 16 games for the Texans last year, Watt had 52 total tackles, five sacks, seven batted passes, 17 QB hits, and 29 QB pressures. Although it’s not the Watt of old, he’s joining a defensive front that also includes Chandler Jones, who has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL since he came into the league in 2012.
The Arizona Cardinals have a wide variety of defensive starters poised to hit free agency, so adding Watt is not just a luxury for this team.
Arizona Cardinals key defensive free agents in 2021
- CB Patrick Peterson
- LB De’Vondre Campbell
- CB Dre’ Kirkpatrick
- LB/EDGE Haason Reddick
- EDGE Markus Golden
- DL Angelo Blackson
Watt joins 2020 free agent pickup Jordan Phillips and top 2020 draft pick Isaiah Simmons as key pieces in the Cardinals‘ defensive front, but how does this move affect the team’s 2021 NFL Draft plans?
This move to go and get Watt doesn’t change much, especially defensively. The Cardinals desperately need to emphasize the cornerback position in free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft, as well as depth off the edge.
If they are unable to retain either or both of Haason Reddick and Markus Golden, they’re going to need to keep EDGE near the top of the 2021 NFL Draft priority list.
The move to go and get Watt on a two-year contract could indicate the Arizona Cardinals plan to be more aggressive this offseason. With an 8-8 record in 2020 and a seemingly upward trajectory, they have to push all-in to get past the rest of the loaded NFC West.