ESNY New York Jets NFL Draft files: Reuben Foster and 11 other linebackers

Garrett Ey • 03/02/2017

Round 2: T.J. Watt, LB, Wisconsin

Watt? The last name alone tells you everything you need to know. Work ethic, motivation, on-the-field intelligence and game breaking ability, the little brother will remind you of big brothers, J.J. and Derek. Like J.J., T.J. found his way to Madison to play for the Wisconsin Badgers.

T.J. started his collegiate career as a tight end, but playing time was lost to a redshirted season and a pair of knee injuries. When Watt finally got on the field, it was as a linebacker, a position where he would become a second-team All American. Think Tedy Bruschi, but in a New York Jets uniform.

In 2016, Watt garnered 63 tackles and 11.5 sacks. His ability to shoot into gaps and create havoc, was a driving force in a season where Wisconsin would play for the Big Ten Championship. His play in the Conference was incredible, as 8.5 of his 11.5 sacks were against in-conference rivals.

Another player to keep an eye on during draft night will be, Vanderbilt’s Zach Cunningham. If he should fall into the second round, Cunningham would be an ideal fit into Todd Bowles’ system. With 125 tackles in 2016, Cunningham defines “tackling machine.”