NFL executive compares Steelers Pro Bowler T.J. Watt to one of the greatest defenders ever
You name it, T.J. Watt has probably done it when it comes to playing defense. All-Pro's, Pro Bowls, and Defensive Player of the Year awards, he's accomplished about everything an individual player can on that side of the ball. But for whatever reason, Watt is often discounted by the media, fans, and even players. NFL […]
You name it, T.J. Watt has probably done it when it comes to playing defense.
All-Pro's, Pro Bowls, and Defensive Player of the Year awards, he's accomplished about everything an individual player can on that side of the ball.
But for whatever reason, Watt is often discounted by the media, fans, and even players. NFL executives think otherwise, with one of them calling Watt: "The Aaron Donald of pass rushers."
Watt Ranks 2nd in ESPN NFL Personnel Poll
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN continued his annual top 10 positional lists with pass rushers on Wednesday. The list(s) is compiled based on the opinions of coaches, front-office members, and scouts. Najee Harris missed out on the RB rankings, and Cam Heyward was a mere honorable mention among the linemen, but Watt finished second in the EDGE rankings, with only Myles Garrett ahead of him.
One voter called Watt the "Aaron Donald of pass rushers," the player who should top every list. Watt didn't quite match that feat, but he's back where he belongs — in the conversation at the top. An injury-riddled 2022 campaign dropped him to fourth on last year's list. His game-wrecking ways were on full display in 2023, leading the NFL with 19 sacks and finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
"He can't be labeled a high-motor guy — he's just exceptionally hard to block, probably the hardest in the league," a high-ranking NFL official said. "He has technique, power, counters, violence, bend. Everything you want."
Watt has earned four All-Pro first team nods over the past five seasons, and his 96.5 sacks through his first seven years ranks third all time behind Reggie White (110) and DeMarcus Ware (99.5). –Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
We won't get into the Watt vs. Garrett discussion, as that debate has been beaten to death. Instead, let's talk about the belief that Watt is to pass rushers what Aaron Donald was to interior defenders.
Now, most historians who watched both Donald and Taylor play, still call Lawrence Taylor the greatest defender ever, but during his peak, and when analyzing his whole career, there was and is an argument to be made that Donald is a close second.
And as much as even diehard Steelers fans love Watt, I think most objective people would admit that while Watt has Hall of Fame potential, he probably won't be on the Mt. Rushmore of edge rushers when he retires.
So that's effusive praise for Watt and something he shouldn't take lightly. It comes just days after one of the best QBs in the league called him the most unique edge rusher he's played against, rounding out a week of pats on the back.
Chasing what would be a record-breaking third season of 19+ sacks, Watt will be coming for that number one spot when this poll is released next year.
Steelers RB Najee Harris breaks his silence for the first time all offseason in unexpected interview
Harris hadn’t spoken publicly since the end of last season.
