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The Los Angeles Rams are without a first round draft pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The strategy for general manager Les Snead should be to draft based on needs, right? Don’t count on it. Linebacker isn’t the most glaring need, but if someone like Wisconsin LB T.J. Watt drops to pick 37, don’t be surprised if Snead pulls the trigger. Here is a look at the young linebacker.
Pros: For those that believe Watt’s hype is due to his older brother J.J., you are sorely mistaken. Watt has many redeeming qualities and it basically begins with his frame. He has the ideal size NFL scouts covet, standing at 6’4,” with room for growth in terms of bulk. The amount of success Watt experienced with the Badgers is nothing short of astonishing considering he basically played linebacker for one year.
He’s instinctual in his aggressiveness, and wins many battles against blockers with his hand placement. Watt sheds blockers quickly when possible, constantly scanning for ball-carriers and has decent athleticism for pursuit. Quite possibly one of the more underrated aspects of his game is in coverage, and he should be given more praise in that area. On top of all of that, he possesses excellent technique as a wrap-up tackler.
Watt put up some impressive numbers, especially considering he switched to linebacker. He finished the 2016 season by earning 63 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception that he returned for a touchdown. If he continues his progression, and adds more muscle, Watt can be dominant at outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Plus, he would have the opportunity to learn from one of the best defensive minds in the NFL today in Wade Phillips if taken by the Rams.
Cons: While it is impressive how dominant Watt was last season at linebacker, he is still raw at the position. It’s still possible that he can compete as a rookie, but he will undoubtedly have growing pains. Speaking of growing, while his size is ideal, he will need to gain some muscle to combat the larger and athletic offensive linemen in the NFL. It’s also hard to ignore his injury history, which is alarming this early in his career. His footwork needs a ton of work, and Watt won’t win blocking battles with his speed. Unfortunately, he doesn’t own much burst off the snap either; Watt will need to rely completely on technique and quick hands. Moving him to defensive end would be a mistake at this point of his career, because NFL offensive tackles will likely devour him.
Overall: It would be a crime for the Rams not to draft Watt if he falls to pick 37. It’s a long shot to be honest, but not out of the realm of possibilities due to his injury history and his rawness at the position. That said, his experience at tight end could make him an intriguing situational offensive weapon. If the Rams have luck on their side, they could have a dangerous linebacker corps heading into the 2017 season.
Source: Sports-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
2017, 2017 NFL Draft, Badgers, featured, J.J. Watt, la rams, Les Snead, Los Angeles Rams, NFL, nfl draft, rams, T.J. Watt, University of Wisconsin, Wade Phillips, Wisconsin
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The Los Angeles Rams are without a first round draft pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The strategy for general manager Les Snead should be to draft based on needs, right? Don’t count on it. Linebacker isn’t the most glaring need, but if someone like Wisconsin LB T.J. Watt drops to pick 37, don’t be surprised if Snead pulls the trigger. Here is a look at the young linebacker.
Pros: For those that believe Watt’s hype is due to his older brother J.J., you are sorely mistaken. Watt has many redeeming qualities and it basically begins with his frame. He has the ideal size NFL scouts covet, standing at 6’4,” with room for growth in terms of bulk. The amount of success Watt experienced with the Badgers is nothing short of astonishing considering he basically played linebacker for one year.
He’s instinctual in his aggressiveness, and wins many battles against blockers with his hand placement. Watt sheds blockers quickly when possible, constantly scanning for ball-carriers and has decent athleticism for pursuit. Quite possibly one of the more underrated aspects of his game is in coverage, and he should be given more praise in that area. On top of all of that, he possesses excellent technique as a wrap-up tackler.
Watt put up some impressive numbers, especially considering he switched to linebacker. He finished the 2016 season by earning 63 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception that he returned for a touchdown. If he continues his progression, and adds more muscle, Watt can be dominant at outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Plus, he would have the opportunity to learn from one of the best defensive minds in the NFL today in Wade Phillips if taken by the Rams.
Cons: While it is impressive how dominant Watt was last season at linebacker, he is still raw at the position. It’s still possible that he can compete as a rookie, but he will undoubtedly have growing pains. Speaking of growing, while his size is ideal, he will need to gain some muscle to combat the larger and athletic offensive linemen in the NFL. It’s also hard to ignore his injury history, which is alarming this early in his career. His footwork needs a ton of work, and Watt won’t win blocking battles with his speed. Unfortunately, he doesn’t own much burst off the snap either; Watt will need to rely completely on technique and quick hands. Moving him to defensive end would be a mistake at this point of his career, because NFL offensive tackles will likely devour him.
Overall: It would be a crime for the Rams not to draft Watt if he falls to pick 37. It’s a long shot to be honest, but not out of the realm of possibilities due to his injury history and his rawness at the position. That said, his experience at tight end could make him an intriguing situational offensive weapon. If the Rams have luck on their side, they could have a dangerous linebacker corps heading into the 2017 season.
Source: Sports-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
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