2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: J.J. Watt
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Strengths:
Terrific size and long arms
Relentless pass rusher
Quick off line
Good athlete - former tight end
Strong run defender
Scheme and position versatility
High character leader with outstanding work ethic
Plenty of upside
Weaknesses: Still developing
Inexperience hurts his instincts
Has to develop pass-rushing moves
Tackling skills need improvement
Due to height needs to be cognizant of playing high
Summary: J.J. Watt can help a team in a lot of ways. He can play different spots across the line, help on special teams blocking kicks and even do a Mike Vrabel impression as a receiving tight end. In his primary role on defense he can be a dominating presence as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4. On the downside, while his ascension to top prospect is impressive, he was a Central Michigan tight end not that long ago. He is very much a work in progress.
Player Comparison: Adam Carriker. There is no reason to go away from this common comparison. Carriker's performance at the Combine four years ago mirrors what Watt accomplished this year, and they checked in at almost the identical height and weight. They even both wore bold red uniforms in college. More teams going to the 3-4 defense opened up an opportunity for Carriker to be more successful in Washington than he was in St. Louis. Perhaps NFL teams running the 4-3 will take note of this when considering Watt.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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Weaknesses:
Summary: J.J. Watt can help a team in a lot of ways. He can play different spots across the line, help on special teams blocking kicks and even do a Mike Vrabel impression as a receiving tight end. In his primary role on defense he can be a dominating presence as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4. On the downside, while his ascension to top prospect is impressive, he was a Central Michigan tight end not that long ago. He is very much a work in progress.
Player Comparison: Adam Carriker. There is no reason to go away from this common comparison. Carriker's performance at the Combine four years ago mirrors what Watt accomplished this year, and they checked in at almost the identical height and weight. They even both wore bold red uniforms in college. More teams going to the 3-4 defense opened up an opportunity for Carriker to be more successful in Washington than he was in St. Louis. Perhaps NFL teams running the 4-3 will take note of this when considering Watt.
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg's | Walt's
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports