T.J. Watt on pace to be most productive edge defender in Steelers history

T.J. Watt is on is on track to be the most productive outside linebacker in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I was ecstatic when the Pittsburgh Steelers were somehow able to land T.J. Watt with the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. There were half-a-dozen teams picking ahead of Pittsburgh who had a major need for an edge defender. Myles Garrett a generational talent coming out, but players like Derek Barnett, Charles Harris, Takkarist McKinley, and Taco Charlton were all drafted ahead of Watt.

That was clearly a mistake. Four years later, T.J. Watt is on a Hall of Fame pace for the Steelers after his second consecutive First-Team All-Pro season where he once again finished the year as a Defensive Player of the Year finalist. Watt has elevated his play every year, and fans have got to be excited for what’s to come next.

Watt has been so impressive, in fact, that he has grossly outpaced some of the greatest outside linebackers in Steelers history in production. Here’s a graphic that shows how Watt’s per-game statistics stack up against some former Steelers legends:

Through the first four seasons of T.J. Watt’s NFL career, he is on a pace that we have never seen from a Steelers edge defender before. In just 62 career games, Watt already has compiled 49.5 sacks, 59 tackles for a loss, and 111 quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Reference. In addition, Watt has chipped in a whopping 17 forced fumbles, 25 pass defenses, and 4 interceptions – making his presence felt in practically every department.

Why is T.J. Watt grossly outpacing Steelers legends?

There are several reasons why Watt could be on such a remarkable pace compared to other Steelers great outside linebackers. James Harrison is considered one of the best to ever play the game. The former Defensive Player of the Year and two-time Super Bowl Champion was undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the NFL.

Unfortunately, Harrison didn’t become a full-time starter until his age-29 season in 2007. From there, he earned 5 straight Pro Bowls and 2 First-Team All-Pros before his production took a dive in his mid-30s. Joey Porter also had some very good seasons for Pittsburgh throughout the early 2000s, but he never quite reached the same stardom level as a player like Harrison.

When it comes to players like Greg Llyod and Jason Gildon, the responsibilities of a Steelers outside linebacker in the 90s and early 2000s are much different than they are today, as Pittsburgh’s linebackers were asked to drop back more often.

However, the biggest reason why T.J. Watt is on the pace that he is on is simply because he is a remarkable football player. At over 6’4” and 252 pounds coming out of college, Watt tested as a 99th percentile athlete, according to his Relative Athletic Score.

When you combine and phenomenal athlete with a player who has a terrific football IQ and savvy pass rush moves, you are typically going to get a very good player. I know for some of you this might sound premature, but Watt has a very good chance to go down as the best Steelers edge defender of all-time – and that is certainly saying a lot.

I know that T.J. Watt is only entering year number five, but his statistical production and impact on the team are undeniable. He’s certainly on a Hall of Fame pace early in his career. If he could stay healthy, he will go down as one of the all-time greats.