NFL Mock Draft 2017: Atlanta Falcons take T.J. Watt

T.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

After a heart-breaking loss in the Super Bowl last year, Dan Quinn and the Falcons sit back and try to figure out what they need to get back to the big show. Their offence put up fantastic numbers last year and although they have quite a few young studs on the defensive side of the ball, but they also have some holes. The Falcons made sure to address some of those holes in free agency by signing two time Pro Bowler, Dontari Poe to work beside emerging talent Grady Jarrett.

The Falcons identified their top two needs as OG and DE but with Forrest Lamp off the board at 22 to the Miami Dolphins, no other OG has a first round grade on them. Atlanta decides to take their highest rated defensive end on their board that remains.

With the 31st pick in the 2017 draft, the Atlanta Falcons select DE from Wisconsin, TJ Watt.

At 6’4" and 252 lbs is slightly smaller than his older brother but as is to be expected with someone just coming out of school. TJ actually committed to Wisconsin as a TE and transitioned to DE. While his strength seems to be a knock on him right now, his tenacity, speed and willingness to chase down plays makes him a high quality, low risk prospect. Where TJ really shines is in the pass rush. His 11.5 sacks in his final year as a Badger screams elite, often using his speed to get around both left and right tackles. If he hits the gym hard and learns how to use his strength he could produce the same sack numbers with Atlanta.

2017 BGN Mock Draft Order

1) Browns (JALupowitz): Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
2) 49ers (sports00fan00): Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
3) Bears (gubby): Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
4) Jaguars (TheWhalwing): Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
5) Titans (drc242): Jamal Adams, S, LSU
6) Jets (boomorbust): Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State
7) Chargers (NowWhat?): Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State
8) Panthers (B-Potts): Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
9) Bengals (Kiko’s Delivery Service): Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
10) Bills (jimmyrustler): O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
11) Saints (NotSoSlick): Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
12) Browns (Straight Edge Sid): Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
13) Cardinals (Paulie97): Haason Reddick, LB, Temple
14) Eagles (ablesser88): Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
15) Colts (mconner96): Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
16) Ravens (The Man, The Myth, the Matthews!): Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
17) Washington (kbruneault): John Ross, WR, Washington
18) Titans (mchiodo): JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR USC
19) Buccaneers (ei78): Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
20) Broncos (NVEagleShark): Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
21) Lions (Shark Fighter): Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama
22) Dolphins (J. Wil): Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky
23) Giants (BigWardy59): Dion Dawkins, OT, Temple
24) Raiders (big DUB): Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
25) Texans (GotFunds): Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
26) Seahawks (Rogmcc23): Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
27) Chiefs (B1G Cat): Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
28) Cowboys (RegalEagle): Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State
29) Packers (Wutang_): Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA
30) Steelers (General_Lee12): Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech
31) Falcons (SirJon): T.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
32) Saints (Huffs_cellmate):