Tampa Bay Buccaneers: What would J.J. Watt bring?

But Watt and Barrett don’t play the same position you’re probably saying

This is true. It’s borderline irrelevant though. They both lined up as a five-technique (outside the tackle) on most of their plays last year. While the Buccaneers 3-4 (essentially five down linemen) is their base, they run a 4-3 just as often. Watt is built the size you would expect for a 4-3 end, or a 3-4 end which is closer to a defensive tackle. In the 4-3, the Bucs would have Watt, Vea, Suh, and Jason Pierre-Paul. This may actually be a better lineup than with Barret because simply put, Watt is a better player.

In the 3-4, you’re replacing Gholston with Watt which is a huge upgrade and then downgrading at OLB by replacing Barret with Anthony Nelson or Cam Gill. This is essentially a wash or maybe even a slight upgrade overall. Nelson can fill that role of OLB well along with Cam Gill, who had some flashes. On top of that, the Buccaneers could always spend a premium draft pick on a replacement, or scoop up a cheaper free agent looking for a ring.

The overall point is this; Watt has still got it. If he’s not as far off from the all-pro we saw in years past, he fits just fine in this defense. There is no doubt he would bolster the pass rush. Watt, Suh, and Vea would also make teams decide if 2nd and 12 is really how they want to start a drive. If he’s on the market for less than Barret, it’d be hard for the Buccaneers to pass him up.