Re-Drafting the Defensive Linemen From the 2011 NFL Draft using Advanced Analytics
1. J.J. Watt
CarAV: 82
There's Wilkerson and everyone else -- then there's the one and only J.J. Watt. Even at 11th overall, it's probably safe to say that the Houston Texans didn't expect the former Wisconsin Badger to turn into a generational talent at the defensive end position.
Watt is one of the best defensive players we've seen from any position in some time. In six seasons (only five full ones after an injury in 2016), Watt has 299 tackles, 76 sacks and 15 forced fumbles to his name. He has also accumulated 45 pass defended, 13 fumble recoveries and 2 touchdowns.
Amid great season after great season, Watt's top campaign came in 2014. With an AV of 22, he threw out 59 tackles, 20.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. This was just one of four straight seasons where Watt wound up in the Pro Bowl and as an All-Pro player.