Three years into his career, J.J. Watt has a pair of first-team All-Pro selections to go along with his 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year trophy.
He showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie campaign of 2011, flourishing in December and in the playoff contests against the Bengals and Ravens.
When the Texans selected him 11th overall in the Draft that year, it came as a mild surprise. At the time, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips' plans to move Mario Williams from defensive end to outside linebacker weren't known, so it looked like Houston would have a logjam at the position with Antonio Smith on board as well.
But based on what Watt accomplished in Indianapolis that February at the NFL Scouting Combine, it wasn't a huge suprise. In addition to wowing the Texans in face-to-face interviews, Watt put on a show in drills.
He threw up 34 reps on the bench press, the fourth-best mark in that drill amongst defensive linemen.
He was second in his position group that year in the vertical leap, able to sky 37 inches.
His 10-foot broak jump was third-best in the d-line group.
Watt's 6.88 second mark in the 3-cone drill was tied for second.
He was second-best in the 20-yard shuttle run, completing it in 4.21 seconds.
While he was "only" able to clock a 4.84 in the 40-yard dash, placing him 15th in his position group, the eye-popping display he put on in other five categories solidified Watt as a superb athlete, if nothing else.
While many are quick to cite his "motor" and "hustle" and all-around good attitude, don't *ever *let anyone discount his athleticism.
