Bill Belichick puts J.J. Watt in same category as NFL legend Lawrence Taylor

Bill Belichick knows defensive talent. He spent 10 years coaching one of the best — linebacker Lawrence Taylor — as the New York Giants’ linebackers coach and later as defensive coordinator during the 1980s and early ‘90s.

So when Belichick, now the coach of the New England Patriots, puts anyone in the same category as Taylor, that’s a pretty big compliment.

Houston defensive lineman J.J. Watt was on the receiving end of such high praise Wednesday when Belichick was discussing the Patriots’ upcoming matchup with the Texans.

“Similar to what we saw with teams dealing with Taylor in New York, he’s got that kind of disruptiveness,” Belichick told reporters. “The position he plays, he’s as disruptive a defensive lineman as I’ve seen in the league. In the same general category as L.T.”

Taylor is the only NFL player to be named defensive player of the year three times. Watt has received the honor twice and is in the running again this year, with a league-leading 13.5 sacks. Both men have recorded 20.5 sacks in a season — Taylor in 1986, Watt in 2012 and 2014.

“Watt’s a major force,” Belichick said. “There are very few players I would put in same conversation with Lawrence Taylor. I would put J.J. in there.

“He’s a dynamic player. He can ruin a game. He’s a special player. He was the defensive MVP last year. He’s already earned that award this year, even if he didn’t play the last four games.”

Unfortunately for Belichick, the Texans are in the midst of a wild-card chase, so there’s little chance Watt will miss this week’s game. Still, a coach can hope. “This might be a good game for him to rest,” Belichick joked.