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Wisconsin Football: Watt’s Position Movement Helping Stock

By Tyler Hunt

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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TJ Watt has Bounced Around the Draft Board, But Has Risen As of Late

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When TJ Watt opted to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft there was no doubt that he would be one of the highest touted players in this years draft class. Watt had a monster junior season due to his athleticism and size, but the name Watt put him on NFL executives radar well before that. The only lingering question for TJ has been where he will land, and at what position would that team be looking at him to fill. TJ has certainly turned that into a positive by proving he can do a little bit of everything, he just wants to be on the field.

According to pro football talk Watt has been moved around quite a bit during his tryouts with NFL GM’s and coaches, getting time at both defensive end, and inside linebacker in addition to his normal position of a 3-4 outside linebacker. While it may be difficult to not know your spot day in and day out, Watt is certainly taking it in stride. Watt has worked out for a multitude of teams including the Patriots, Cowboys, and Lions. Each team has shuffled him around the different spots to see where he fits in their scheme best.

Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

While Watt has defensive end in his blood as proven by his older brother, he doesn’t have nearly the bulk JJ does. Comparisons of the two are a bit unfair, as they share a commonality in name, but skill set they each carry their own unique style. TJ as a defensive end would likely only be a third down and pass play rusher, not much different than the outside linebacker position he already plays. The more interesting spot would be the possibility of Watt lining up on the inside as a three down linebacker. While he certainly has the motor for it, size and strength would be a weakness on the inside against the giants of opposing O-lines. Watt’s skill set is definitely an edge rusher, so the more he moves around the more interesting the theory of where he ends up gets. All in all, Watt is proving he is a versatile player that can and will line up wherever a coach would want him. Not only does it show athleticism, but it also shows hes very coach able which is something that will only help his draft stock come April.