The J.J. Watt Conundrum

[barrett]

It's not the same group as Nix and Okoye. Wade Phillips was on board for Watt, along with dozens of other coaching/FO changes. The only constant is Smith. The draft is clearly a group process in Houston and 3 different groups drafted those 3 players. And though nobody realistically thought they were drafting the best defensive player of a generation, everyone involved gets a ton of credit.

And even though nobody could have predicted it at draft time, Wade did say JJ was going to the HOF after his 5 sack rookie year. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ed-for-canton/

Wade is clearly a guy who knows NFL defense.

[HPF Bob]

I couldn't recall if Wade Phillips was here for the 2011 draft so I stayed clear of the subject. Different d-coords in those three examples, true. I don't want to call Clowney a bust but I wonder if that will someday be looked upon like the Raiders and JaMarcus Russell if he fails to produce.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

I couldn't recall if Wade Phillips was here for the 2011 draft so I stayed clear of the subject. Different d-coords in those three examples, true. I don't want to call Clowney a bust but I wonder if that will someday be looked upon like the Raiders and JaMarcus Russell if he fails to produce.

I don't think so. JaMarcus Russell turned out to be a slacker. If Clowney fails to live up to his selection, it will be because the injuries and repairs got the best of him.....