Washington Redskins Schedule Visit With Wisconsin Linebacker T.J. Watt

They could also do better.

With Watt being regularly projected as a late first-round pick, the Redskins would likely have to trade down if they wanted to avoid losing value by reaching for him. Where you’re picked is not determinant of your value. Just ask Kirk Cousins and Josh Norman.

But make no mistake: There’s a reason other players rank higher than Watt. Watt is moderately athletic, but he lacks consistent quickness and burst off the start of the play. In the NFL, every split second counts, and often, and in a game where incredibly talented players reside on both sides of the ball on every play, how you start a play often determines how you finish. While Watt possesses toughness and effort, his quickness could limit him in some aspects of the game, and hinder his ability to make an impact.

It would do no harm for the Redskins to host Watt for a visit, but if they aren’t blown away after his individual workouts, then they may want to consider looking elsewhere to use their first round pick. Watt is a highly-rated player. But there are numerous other holes on the Redskins’ defense that need to be filled with surefire first-round talent. The defensive line is an area that requires an immediate infusion of young talent, as is the secondary.

If the Washington is going to look at the linebacker position  early in the draft, then it shouldn’t be outside linebacker. And Watt may not fit the Redskins’ scheme anywhere else. He’s a talented player. But he’s one of many. We’ll see who else the Redskins will take a look at in the coming weeks.

Next: Jay Gruden Optimistic About Redskins Passing Game

Tune in on April 27th to see what direction the Redskins take in a particularly important NFL Draft.