Wisconsin's T.J. Watt declares for NFL draft

Wisconsin star T.J. Watt will be joining his brother J.J. in the NFL next season, as the junior linebacker announced Tuesday he's skipping his senior campaign to declare for the 2017 draft.

"After thinking over the options and discussing them with my family, I have decided that the time has come to continue my journey and declare for the 2017 NFL Draft," T.J. wrote on Twitter. "This decision was by no means an easy one, but I feel that it is the right decision for me at this time."

T.J. led the Badgers dominant defense with 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss this season. He finished third on the team with 63 total tackles, while also registering an interception and two forced fumbles.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has T.J. listed as the 10th-best outside linebacker for the 2017 draft class, and it doesn't hurt his stock that his older brother is one of the best defensive players in the NFL.

For comparison's sake, T.J.'s stats in his final collegiate season look very similar to his older brother's final campaign at Wisconsin. J.J. finished with 62 total tackles, 21 for loss, and seven total sacks. The Houston Texans drafted the older Watt 11th overall in 2011.