With the 17th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select....

J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

The Patriots are likely not to sit still here at 17 as they rarely go a draft without making several moves. However, for the sake of this draft they take the best defensive lineman available in Wisconsin's J.J. Watt. New England has gotten younger at every position on their defense except the line, and it's been pretty clear that Bill Bellichik will be seeking to inject a youth movement and replace at least one if not both of the Warren's at DE. Watt has rode a giant surge up the boards since a fantastic Combine & Pro Day performance and is seen as either 1A or 1B, along with Cam Jordan, when it comes to 3-4 DE's.

Pick made by: JPon

The San Diego Chargers are on the clock.

Past Picks:

17. J.J. Watt
16. Brooks Reed
15. Mike Pouncey
14. Corey Liuget
13. Cameron Jordan
12. Julio Jones
11. Robert Quinn
10. A.J. Green
9. Tyron Smith
8. Blaine Gabbert
7. Prince Amukamara
6. Da'Quan Bowers
5. Von Miller
4. Nick Fairley
3. Patrick Peterson
2. Marcell Dareus
1. Cam Newton