NFL: Luck, Wilson, 10 best players to start a franchise

#6 J.J. Watt (DE)

This spot really was a toss-up for a bit between Watt and Quinn, but to me the choice is clear. The second and last defensive lineman on my list, Watt  seems to be almost as good off the field as he in on the field – and he is pretty damn good on the field.

Another guy working toward the close of his first contract, the 25-year-old former Wisconsin Badger has been the face of the Texans defense since being drafted 11th overall in the 2011 draft. He might not of had quite the statistical year on the surface that Quinn had last season, but he still managed 10.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.

That said, Watt does things that don’t immediately pop out on the stat sheet for a defensive end. In his career he has deflected 27 passes. For measurement purposes, Quinn has deflected 5. Watt has had 47 stuffs, compared to Quinn’s 15. Not to mention he has a career 217 combined tackles; Quinn has 109.

Watt is the type of player that keeps offense coordinators (and quarterbacks) up at night the week before a game. He demands to be dealt with on every snap. It’s not easy to rack up gaudy sacks being doubled every play. Take it from someone who has had to watch a family member block Watt on every snap: it’s a nerve-wracking ordeal.