The Dallas Cowboys are highly enamored of Wisconsin star defensive end J.J. Watt and are strongly considering drafting him with the ninth overall pick of the first round, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
Per a source, the Cowboys are leaning strongly toward selecting Watt if they don't draft USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith.
The source said the Cowboys love Watt's intensity, technique, toughness and motor and have grown tired of problem players and want to add someone of high character to their locker room.
Watt visited the Cowboys earlier this month.
Watt was a transfer from Central Michigan who walked on at Wisconsin and became a Big Ten standout.
The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder ran the 40-yard dash in 4.76 to 4.81 seconds at the NFL scouting combine where he bench pressed 225 pounds 34 times and posted a 37-inch vertical and a 10-foot broad jump.
An All-Big Ten selection and second-team All-American, Watt recorded 21 tackles for losses and three blocked kicks and was named the Badgers' Most Valuable Player.
As a junior, he posted 4 1/2 sacks, 15 1/2 tackles for losses and five pass deflections.
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