Several former Wisconsin Badgers in the NFL have started the 2020 season with a purpose, cementing their status as some of the best players the league has at their respective positions.
There’s Russell Wilson leading the MVP race and looking like the best quarterback in the league, there’s Jonathan Taylor finding the field and succeeding in his first season, there’s J.J. Watt continuing to play a high level and many more.
One of the most notable performances by a Wisconsin product in the NFL this season has been that of T.J. Watt, ProFootballFocus’ highest-graded edge defender thus far.
Highest-graded edge defenders:
1. T.J. Watt – 93.0
2. Khalil Mack – 91.5
3. Myles Garrett – 88.9
4. Demarcus Lawrence – 85.0 pic.twitter.com/ywiVURsZ3Q— PFF (@PFF) October 29, 2020
As seen above, his name falls ahead of NFL greats Khalil Mack, young stud Myles Garrett, Demarcus Lawrence and every other player that plays the position.
Through six games this season, Watt has recorded 17 solo tackles, 20 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 interception, 3 passes defended, 8 run stuffs, 12 tackles-for-loss and 16 quarterback hits.
This his No. 4 season in the league, Watt’s play is only improving after a first-team All-Pro season in 2019 as he leads the Pittsburgh Steelers’ vaunted defensive unit.