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Rex Ryan: My brother wanted the Cowboys to draft Texans DE J.J. Watt
By Jon Machota / Special Contributor
2:55 pm on October 3, 2012
IRVING – How bad would the Cowboys’ offensive line be without Tyron Smith? While Smith has made his share of mistakes, he appears to have a bright future at left tackle.
But had the Cowboys not drafted him they might have landed one of the best young defenders in the game.
During a conference call Wednesday with Houston media members, New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said his brother, Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, wanted to select Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt.
The Cowboys chose Smith with the ninth overall selection in 2011 and Watt went two picks later to the Texans.
“I know my brother was wanting him when he was in Dallas,” Rex Ryan said. “He lost out in that battle. They took that tackle instead. We kept saying, ‘You got to get this kid, you got to get this kid.’ And sure enough, Houston ends up with him.
“He might be the first overall pick if you’re having that draft all over again. He might be the first overall pick. Certainly, he makes a huge difference and an impact. Really, it’s a guy, as a defensive coach all my life, it’s one of those rare guys that comes along once in a long time and he’s doing a tremendous job.”
Four games into his sophomore season and Watt has been outstanding for the undefeated Texans, leading the league with 7.5 sacks. The 6-5, 295-pounder finished with 5.5 sacks during his rookie year.
Sure, without Smith the offensive line would likely be worse — if that’s possible — but what could Watt have brought to Rob Ryan’s defense, rushing the passer with DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and Jay Ratliff?
By Jon Machota / Special Contributor
2:55 pm on October 3, 2012
IRVING – How bad would the Cowboys’ offensive line be without Tyron Smith? While Smith has made his share of mistakes, he appears to have a bright future at left tackle.
But had the Cowboys not drafted him they might have landed one of the best young defenders in the game.
During a conference call Wednesday with Houston media members, New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said his brother, Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, wanted to select Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt.
The Cowboys chose Smith with the ninth overall selection in 2011 and Watt went two picks later to the Texans.
“I know my brother was wanting him when he was in Dallas,” Rex Ryan said. “He lost out in that battle. They took that tackle instead. We kept saying, ‘You got to get this kid, you got to get this kid.’ And sure enough, Houston ends up with him.
“He might be the first overall pick if you’re having that draft all over again. He might be the first overall pick. Certainly, he makes a huge difference and an impact. Really, it’s a guy, as a defensive coach all my life, it’s one of those rare guys that comes along once in a long time and he’s doing a tremendous job.”
Four games into his sophomore season and Watt has been outstanding for the undefeated Texans, leading the league with 7.5 sacks. The 6-5, 295-pounder finished with 5.5 sacks during his rookie year.
Sure, without Smith the offensive line would likely be worse — if that’s possible — but what could Watt have brought to Rob Ryan’s defense, rushing the passer with DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and Jay Ratliff?
