T.J. Watt scheduled to visit Denver Broncos next week

The Denver Broncos are always looking for ways to upgrade their defense, and are apparently having Wisconsin’s T.J. Watt for a pre-draft visit…

The Denver Broncos know they have the opportunity to get better in the pass rush department in this year’s draft, and Wisconsin’s T.J. Watt is apparently on the radar.

Watt will visit, according to the information in that article, on Tuesday, April 18th. His visit marks the second known visit for a prominent pass rusher that is likely to be available on the back half of the first round, joining Derek Rivers of Youngstown State.

At 6-foot-4, 252 pounds, Watt is an impressive looking athlete that can line up all around a formation. He has one year of starting experience at Wisconsin, where he was a second-team All American and first-team All Big Ten selection.

He racked up 63 tackles, 15.5 for loss, and 11.5 sacks and showed off the same type of fiery personality we’ve come to expect from his brother, J.J.

While not a freakish 6-6, 300 pound defensive end like his brother, Watt is capable of putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and making plays behind the line of scrimmage. Teams will obviously love his tenacious style of play, but Watt is likely forcing scouts and front office executives to go back through his tape after he was one of the top performers at his position at the Combine.

There’s room in his frame to add size, but Watt is already very technically sound despite having just one year of starting experience. It’s clear the game of football comes very naturally to him. Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about some of Watt’s strengths:

"Produced at high-end level with just one season of full-time football. Has desired length for the edge with room to accommodate more size. Attacks blockers with early arm extension and utilizes push-pull technique to upset their balance as his pet move against run and pass. Outstanding hand play in his game. Disruptive as first man in on twists. Always ready to leap into passing lane and deflect the throw. Strikes fast and early to create leverage points.– Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Draft expert"

With DeMarcus Ware retired and Shaquil Barrett on the last year of his contract, the Broncos are thinking ahead about keeping the reservoir of pass rushers deep in Denver. Especially when it comes to putting pressure on the quarterback, you’re only as good as your backups.

The Broncos can’t keep Miller and Ray on the field all the time, so Barrett will see the field plenty as will a fourth rusher. That fourth rusher could be Wisconsin’s T.J. Watt…