Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt is one of the most talented players in the NFL regardless of position. When naming the most impactful players in the league, Watt is someone who will come up pretty early in discussions among fans. It turns out, his peers see him in the same light.
In a recent episode of GreenLight with Chris Long, he had former Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald on as a guest. Donald retired from the NFL this offseason and was regarded by many people to be the best defensive player in the league.
It would be hard to argue against that, as Donald was a true game-wrecker. Whether opponents were double or triple-teaming him, he found a way to make an impact, stuffing running backs with regularity and rushing the passer with ruthless aggression.
Now that his playing career is over, the future Hall of Famer was asked who he believes to be the best defensive player in the NFL. In Donald’s opinion, the Steelers star is the new best defender in the league.
“I would say right now, I think it’s T.J. Watt. If you talk about a guy who’s consistent, who has been doing it year in and year out consistently, that’s gonna get you 15 sacks or 13 sacks, or d**n 22 sacks. He’s a guy who’s been doing it consistently. Interceptions, touchdowns, his stats be ridiculous every single year. He’s that guy to me.”
That is some major praise coming from Donald, which Watt has earned. Since being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, No. 30 overall by the Steelers out of Wisconsin, Watt has turned into a feared pass rusher.
He has led the NFL in sacks three times, tackles for loss twice and forced fumbles once. Watt was named Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021 season and has been in the top three of award voting in three out of the last four years.
A spot on the Pro Bowl team has been earned in six consecutive seasons. In three out of the last four seasons, Watt has been an All-Pro First-Team member as well. The only year he didn’t make it was 2022 when he played in only 10 games because of injury.
There are certainly other players around the league who could throw their name into the hat as the best defensive player in the NFL. But, the Steelers star has as strong of a case as anyone to replace Donald in the top spot.
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