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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) celebrates following a sack during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt (42) celebrates following a sack during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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T.J. Watt

LB, Wisconsin

The Green Bay Packers were left for dead after the first ten weeks of the season, as they sat with a 4-6 record. However, they still had quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who once again told the fans to relax, and that they would win the rest of their games. Rodgers made good on that promise, winning six straight regular season games, clinching the NFC North on the last weekend of the season.

Heading into the playoffs, the Packers were red-hot, and won two games to earn a spot in the NFC Championship Game. In that game, the Atlanta Falcons proved to be too good offensively, exploiting some of the weaknesses on the Packers defense. One area they need help is at linebacker, and with the 29th overall pick, they should look in-state to a Badger for help.

T.J. Watt was a star during his time with the Wisconsin Badgers, and knows what it takes to be a difference maker at the next level. His brother is one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and the young Watt actually had a better combine. He plays with incredible intensity, and on a team that should be in the running in the NFC once again in 2017, Watt would instantly be a leader on a defense that needs to step up.

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