Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Watt, the younger brother of Houston Texans star J.J. Watt and San Diego Chargers FB Derek Watt, intends to apply for early eligibility to enter the 2017 NFL Draft.
Watt announced his decision on Tuesday via Twitter.
In his first year as a full-time starter, Watt (6-foot-5, 244 pounds) amassed 11.5 sacks for the Badgers this season. The fourth-year junior began his UW career as a tight end, but eventually switched to defense and emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the Big Ten Conference in 2016 with a breakout year. He finished third on the team in tackles with 63 tackles, and led the team in both tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks.
"(He's) great at the point of attack and plays with a relentless motor," said NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah. "Obviously, he's not the same player as his brother, but he's a very good player."
Watt showed impressive instincts for the position but is more of a blitzer than a natural pass rusher, according to NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah, who compared Watt to former NFL LB Bill Romanowski. Knee injuries set Watt back earlier in his career, but he enjoyed a healthy season in 2016 and played a key role in Wisconsin's 11-3 season. He recorded a sack and forced a fumble in the Badgers' 24-16 win over Western Michigan in the Cotton Bowl on Monday.
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