On The Clock: 2017 RCF NFL Mock Draft

[Triplethreat]

@AZ_ and the Atlanta Falcons are on the clock.

 

[AZ_]

With the 31st pick in the RCF Mock Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select:



T.J. Watt (LB)
HT: 6'4" WT: 252LBS.

POSITION: LB

SCHOOL: Wisconsin

ARM LENGTH: 33 1/8"

HANDS: 11"


Overview
The third Watt brother decided it was time to join his older siblings in the NFL after an excellent junior season. Following in the footsteps of J.J. (a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year) and Derek (sixth-round pick as a fullback by San Diego) won't be easy. In fact, it wasn't easy for Watt to get on the field his first couple of seasons with the Badgers, redshirting as a tight end in 2013 and losing the following season with a right knee injury. Watt then tore up his left knee during spring practice in 2015, having surgery but returning to play as a reserve linebacker in all 13 games (eight tackles, 1.5 for loss). Finally healthy in 2016, he won a starting job and excelled, garnering second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors with 63 tackles, 15.5 for loss, and 11.5 sacks.

Strengths
Produced at high-end level with just one season of full-time football. Has desired length for the edge with room to accommodate more size. Attacks blockers with early arm extension and utilizes push-pull technique to upset their balance as his pet move against run and pass. Outstanding hand play in his game. Disruptive as first man in on twists. Always ready to leap into passing lane and deflect the throw. Strikes fast and early to create leverage points. Rarely has helmet involved in play and is constantly searching for the ball. Understands art of quick disengagements and can flatten out against outside run. Has good agility to clear trash near his feet and pursue the ball. Functional in space when asked to cover. Can get skinny when shooting gaps and has decisiveness and pursuit quickness to crash down the line and close-out cutback lanes. Consistent, wrap-up finisher as tackler.

Weaknesses
Not overly twitched-up as an athlete. Short strider who lacks explosion out of stance and up the field to bend the edge as a pass rusher. Foot quickness is average and needs to win with technique and great hand play. Won't generate enough acceleration to crank up speed-to-power rush with consistency. Plays with a narrow base. Needs to play with more consistent bend to play through redirection by offensive line. Will have to add power in his base to hold point of attack against tackles. Pass rush menu will need more options against NFL tackles.

Sources Tell Us
"He looked a lot stronger and a lot more confident on tape this year. He needs to get bigger, but he's already a strong guy. I can see him standing or playing base end for a 4-3 team. He's going to keep getting better." -- Midwest area scout for AFC team

NFL Comparison
Paul Kruger

Bottom Line
A long-limbed effort rusher who posted impressive numbers against the run and pass in just one year as a starter. He is a tireless worker who pursues from snap to whistle and his brother, J.J., will be a tremendous resource for technique and pass-rush plan. While he is unlikely to win a race to the edge, he's a plus run defender who can get to the quarterback with plus hand work and relentless effort.



COMBINE STATS

• 40 YARD DASH: 4.69 SEC
• BENCH PRESS: 21 REPS
• VERTICAL JUMP: 37.0 INCH
• BROAD JUMP: 128.0 INCH
• 3 CONE DRILL: 6.79 SEC
• 20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.13 SEC
• 60 YARD SHUTTLE: 11.20 SEC

 

[AZ_]

@TopGun is on the clock

 

[I LOVE YOU ABBY]

Seeing as how I traded both of my early picks, and since Cosmo talked about his side of the trade, I'll explain the GB-CHI trade from the Packers POV (Point of Vince).

When looking at the Packers team needs, there were 3 gaping holes going into the draft:
RB- which unless Fournette fell to me, I wasn't going to address early in the draft. DB- The Packers already have 3 young CB's on their roster, that they have spent high draft picks on in recent years. And EDGE- With Julius Peppers leaving in free agency, and Clay Matthews' history of injuries, I saw this as the Packers biggest need to address in the draft.

Now at pick #29, I didn't see anyone in that range that was going to bolster my defense. However, I did see an opportunity with Watson still on the board to try and pry a promising and young defensive player off of one of my bitter rivals. Insert:

Leonard Floyd

While injuries were certainly a concern in making this deal, his production on the field last year, (7 sacks in 12 games) along with his pro-bowl upside, made it a risk worth taking. With Clay Matthews Jr. and Nick Perry already in the fold, adding a motivated Floyd makes them a devastating bunch.

As far as the outgoing stuff, I viewed Leonard as more valuable than any two players I could get at #29 and #61. And with Davante Adams due for a big payday at the end of next year, the Packers were able to cash in on his value by making it look like he was needed to pull of this big trade, when in reality they preferred Randall Cobb over him and believe any third option can look like a star when Aaron Rodgers is throwing it to him.

It's odd to think that division rivals could pull off a blockbuster like this, but in this trade I truly think each teams gets what they coveted. Packers: young stud pass rusher. Bears: Hopeful Franchise QB, WR, prospect.

 

[Triplethreat]

I'd say the Packers biggest need now is WR after trading a young budding star in Davante Adams.

Packers trade grade: F-

 

[AZ_]

I'd say the Packers biggest need now is WR after trading a young budding star in Davante Adams.

Packers trade grade: F-

Now all they have is Jordy, Cobb, Allison and one of the best QBs on the planet.

Also Adams is the definition of inconsistency both in performance and health

 

[Triplethreat]

Now all they have is Jordy, Cobb, Allison and one of the best QBs on the planet.

Also Adams is the definition of inconsistency both in performance and health

A 32 year old Jordy Nelson coming off an ACL tear two years ago?

Come on. Adams is the future WR1 in Green bay.

 

[I LOVE YOU ABBY]

I'd say the Packers biggest need now is WR after trading a young budding star in Davante Adams.

Packers trade grade: F-

Don't be salty because you got stuck with Kizer.

But honestly, from the Packers perspective, i think it makes a lot of sense to trade Adams so they can focus on re -signing Perry next off season rather than shelling out another $40,000,000 for a wide receiver whose stats were inflated last season.

When Leo Floyd leads the league in sacks and Adams is being talked about as one of the worst WR contracts in the NFL i'll come digging for some cred.

 

[Triplethreat]

Don't be salty because you got stuck with Kizer.

But honestly, from the Packers perspective, i think it makes a lot of sense to trade Adams so they can focus on re -signing Perry next off season rather than shelling out another $40,000,000 for a wide receiver whose stats were inflated last season.

When Leo Floyd leads the league in sacks and Adams is being talked about as one of the worst WR contracts in the NFL i'll come digging for some cred.

I think the most ridiculous part is it costed a First, Second AND Adams for Floyd and a late pick.

Reason for the bad grade.

 

[I LOVE YOU ABBY]

I think the most ridiculous part is it costed a First, Second AND Adams for Floyd and a late pick.

Reason for the bad grade.

I wish I knew how highly you viewed Adams when we were in trade talks.

 

[AZ_]

A 32 year old Jordy Nelson coming off an ACL tear two years ago?

Come on. Adams is the future WR1 in Green bay.

And he's an OK #2 or #3 anywhere where a golden-cock QB like Rodgers isn't throwing him the ball.

Enjoy Mike Glennon, bud.

 

[Triplethreat]

And he's an OK #2 or #3 anywhere where a golden-cock QB like Rodgers isn't throwing him the ball.

Enjoy Mike Glennon bud.

He's also only 24. However, I digress.

Go Jets.

 

[Surge]

Enjoy Mike Glennon, bud.

 

[MGMT]

Thought I could snag Watt later. Son of a goddamn bitch.

 

[CosmoKramer]

I think the Packers' WR depth is garbage without Adams. Cobb is only 26, but he's a slot WR that can't create separation anymore.

Geronimo Allison was an UDFA last year, while Jeff Janis was a late round flier that hasn't worked out. One of them is now starting on the outside.

GB would be a Jordy Nelson injury away from trotting out the worst WRs in the league. Aaron Rodgers is a robot, but he can actually look human when he doesn't have a full set of weapons around him.