3-4 Defensive End/Defensive End/Defensive Tackle

Wisconsin

6-5 290

Draft Board Overall Prospect Rank: #15

Draft Board Overall 3-4 Defensive End Rank: #4

Rating: 87 (mid 1^st)

40 time: 4.78

3/14/11: JJ Watt is really a player who grows on you on tape. He can play inside and out on a 4-3 line. He has an amazing motor and a wide variety of pass rushing moves. He is very quick for a 290 pounder and he has the frame to project favorably to a 3-4. He doesn’t look all that athletic on tape, or at least he didn’t last season, but he really wowed in The Combine, not just in the drills, but with his measurables.

He ran a 4.78 at 6-5 290, which stood out even on a day full of athletic defensive line performances. He also appeared to be in amazing physical shape. His strong work ethic really shows. Some suggest he could gain another 10-15 pounds without losing much quickness and play inside as a 4-3 defensive tackle, but he could also stay in the 285-295 range and still have a good career as a 4-3 left end.

A 3-4 is what he best projects to as most tweeners do. In a 3-4 he would line up about halfway between the 4-3 end and the 4-3 tackle spot and be able to provide a consistent motor against the run, with good technique, and an above average pass rush. His repertoire of pass rushing moves as a 290 pounder who just turned 21 is absolutely amazing and he’s only going to get better. His footwork and handwork are amazing and he’s actually quicker than he is straight line fast.

He’s not overly explosive and I don’t see him ever being a star in the league, but he’s the type of guy I want on me team regardless of what scheme I ran. He has an amazing motor and good character. He may get a repuation as a tweener, but I see him more as a guy who can play any scheme and play 3 different positions, the 4-3 left end position, the 5 technique (3-4 end), and the 4-3 under tackle position. At 290 he’s a little small for an under tackle, but as I said, I think he has room to bulk without losing quickness and could be that 300-305 pounder that you like out of a 3 technique 4-3 under tackle.

I would be very surprised if he busted and were a non-factor. He’s already ready to contribute in a moderate role in the NFL, despite just turning 21, and his upside combined with his motor and work ethic combine to make him a close to surefire starter and above average contributor in this league for a long time.

NFL Comparison: Brett Kiesel (no guarantee he’ll ever grow a beard as awesome as Kiesel’s though)