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Wisconsin’s Ryan Ramcyzk and T.J. Watt Picked in Round 1

By Noah Seligman

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) looks on from the field prior to the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) looks on from the field prior to the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wisconsin OLB T.J. Watt and OT Ryan Ramcyzk were drafted at the end of the 1st round of the 2017 NFL Draft

In a bizarre 1st round full of trades, falling talent, and reaches on QBs and WRs, Wisconsin’s T.J. Watt and Ryan Ramcyzk was eventually among the first 32 selections.  Ramcyzk slid a little further than anticipated.  Really, lets just blame the Chicago Bears for trading up from #3 to take Mitchell Tribusky.  FanSided did not like the pick but as a Packer fan, I loved it.

"2. Chicago Bears (via 49ers): Mitchell Trubisky, QB, North CarolinaThis is a puzzling move for a team that has a litany of needs. Chicago had three of the top 70 picks in what is a loaded draft, but dealt a third and fourth-round pick this year, along with a third-rounder in the 2018 draft. Most believe, including me, that Trubisky has the ceiling of Andy Dalton. Factoring in other needs, picks traded and the ceiling of the player, it’s a bad move. That’s to say nothing of Mike Glennon. Ugh.  Grade: D"

That set off some surprises with a trio of WRs selected in the Top 10 followed by two more QBs in short order.  That pushed some serious defensive talent down the board meaning OL was not given much priority among the drafting teams.

The first OL selected in the 1st round was Garrett Bolles drafted at #20 by the Denver Broncos.

Bolles did have an impressive combine posting strong numbers in the 40, vertical jump, and 3-cone drills.

The thinking was that the New York Giants were a logical candidate for an OT given that Ereck Flowers has not worked well as a LT.  Upgrade two positions by taking a true LT like Ramcyzk and give yourself a nice pair of bookends.  The NYG instead added another receiver perhaps unaware that you can only throw the ball once on a play.  Now they have Brandon Marshall, Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepard from the slot and Evan Engram, a “TE in name only” WR from Ole Miss.

After that, the next landing spot was Seattle.  The Seahawks traded out of #26 with Atlanta so the Falcons could jump Pittsburgh and Green Bay to select Tak McKinley from UCLA.

Seattle at #31 was the next hope for Ramcyzk.  But the Seahawks traded out of the 1st round completely completing a deal with division rival San Francisco.

The New Orleans Saints closed the first round selecting Ramcyzk.  FanSided gave the pick a solid grade.

"32. New Orleans Saints (via Patriots): Ryan Ramczyk, OT, WisconsinThe Saints have to make sure Drew Brees stays upright, and this will help that cause. Ramczyk could have easily gone in the early 20s, but falls to New Orleans. Look for him to play on the right side, giving Sean Payton a nice bookend for Terron Armstead.Grade: B"

That actually seems a little generous to me.  I wish Ramcyzk well. But there was still some serious defensive talent on the board.  Given how terrible the Saints defense is, I was expecting New Orleans to double down the CB position or draft a twitchy pass rusher like Tyus Bowser.

The Saints picked Andrus Peat from Stanford in the 1st round last year but have him playing as LG.  As Mike Mayock noted on the NFL Network broadcast, the Saints current RT Zach Streif, will turn 34 early next season.  Ramcyzk figures to slot in on that side.  The Saints have a lot of money dedicated to LT Terron Armstead.  The soonest the Saints could/would realistically consider moving on from Armstead would not be until 2019 or 2020 at the earliest.

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 /

T.J. Watt’s draft night was perhaps less dramatic.  The Steelers were a sensible destination for him.  Pittsburgh missed on Jarvis Jones in the 2013 NFL Draft.  They needed another athletic edge rusher to pair with Bud Dupree.  Coupled with ex-Buckeye Ryan Shazier, the Steelers now have as athletic a trio of LBs as anybody in the NFL.  Watt is still new to the defensive side of the ball.  He’ll have the opportunity to study under James Harrison (age 39 next week) while acclimating to the NFL.  Harrison is a free agent at 2019 and Arthur Moats (age 29) will be an Unrestricted Free Agent in 2018. So Watt should have his opportunities soon.

At a minimum, I’d expect him to contribute at least as a situational pass rusher right away. The Steelers ranked 31st in the NFL in sacks last season recording just 21 total.

FanSided gave this one a solid grade as well.

"30: Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt, OLB, WisconsinThe younger brother of J.J. Watt found an AFC home, going to the Steelers. Pittsburgh has developed ample linebackers throughout its history, including Ryan Shazier in recent seasons. The Steelers can allow him to develop alongside James Harrison.Grade: B"

NFL Network was quick to note somer serious Wattage on Christmas Day as the Houston Texans host the Pittsburgh Steelers this season.

Rounds 2-3 of the 2017 NFL Draft start at 6 p.m. CST on Friday April 28th and will be televised live on NFL Network and ESPN.  Stay off twitter if you don’t want picks tipped before they are broadcasted