Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt will be playing in the 2018 Pro Bowl. The Steelers speedy linebacker is replacing Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney after opting out of the Pro Bowl, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk.

Watt accounted for 13.0 sacks this season which was a team best. The second-year linebacker also had 68 total tackles and six forced fumbles this season.

Watt's best game of the season came against the Cleveland Browns in the regular season debut as he accumulated a season-high 10 combined tackles, three sacks, and came up huge with a blocked field goal. That particular field goal was the potential game-winner, and the game resulted in a tie. Watt had another fantastic week shortly after against the Atlanta Falcons. He accounted for another three sacks and a combined eight tackles in addition to a forcing a fumble. Pittsburgh ran through the Falcons and cruised to a 41-17 victory.

The Steelers clearly struck gold in last season's draft after using their first-round pick on Watt, but after a solid rookie season, he was even more impressive in 2018. It's a huge surprise that Watt fell to the Steelers at the number 30 spot last season. Watt is exactly the player the Steelers needed on defense after many linebackers have not panned out for Pittsburgh.

Unfortunately, the Steelers lost their best defensive player last season after linebacker Ryan Shazier suffered a terrifying spinal cord injury. Watt is not looking to replace Shazier, but he has done an excellent job providing a spark to the defense since joining the team.