4. T.J. Watt: This always goes by so quickly. Four remain. This is what will have everyone talking over the next few days, and that’s what I like. This next player could’ve made this list last year. In the words of Michael Jordan, he took that personally. Mr. Trent Jordan “T.J” Watt. Welcome aboard, sir. T.J. checks in at number four and also checks in as my second-best defensive player in the NFL.
Whenever I watch him, the first thing that stands out is the quickness. T.J. has a great get off and that along with the timing of the ball, knowing the snap count and based on that, he can attack. I’ve said that in order for an edge rusher to be successful, that first step of yours must be electric and T. J’s is that and beyond. He positions himself perfectly to get to where he wants. Watching him play often, he’s always on or near the line of scrimmage. I’ve always admired how he reads the play first, then he reacts and attacks. T.J. has become one of the best run stoppers in the league. He rips through blockers with violent hands, a lower center of gravity and the speed to get to the football. His specialty, however, is pass rushing and he’s established himself as one of the best in the league. Once again, it’s the first step that dictates and allows him to get to the quarterback. T.J. is always in attack mode and he feels he can get to the passer every time and guess what? He does! Whether he’s getting home or he’s disruptive enough to get some pressure, T.J. does just enough to make the opposition know that he’s coming, and they’ll need to do everything to get him doubled or sometimes triple teamed. He’s also clutch. When you need that big stop defensively, the Steelers know they can count on this guy to make the play whether it’s a sack, a strip sack recovery or anything, he takes over when it matters the most.
He was absolutely dominant in 2021. T.J. missed a few games and you saw how different the Steelers looked without him. When he was on the field, they’re a completely different defense and it shows. He put it all together last season. T.J. led the league in sacks with 22.5, which tied Hall of Famer Michael Strahan’s record from 2001. Number 90 also led the league in tackles for loss (21). They awarded him Defensive Player of the Year for his incredible 2021 season. The scary thing is, he’s close to hitting his prime.
