T'Vondre Sweat – Defensive Tackle – 22 years old – Senior – Texas
Height: 1.93m
Weight: 166 kg
2023 stats: 14 games, 45 tackles (including 8 for loss), 2 sacks, 4 passes defended
Estimated draft position: 3rd-4th round
NFL Comparison: Damon 'Snacks' Harrison
His recent appearance in the news and his penchant for partying do not speak in his favor. However, T'Vondre Sweat remains a prospect who has shown determination and improvement in behavior to get there.
Historical leader of the Texas defensive line, T'Vondre Sweat has a strong history linked to sports. He spent half of his adolescence playing basketball as a center.
Growing up in Texas near Houston, very close to his family, T'Vondre Sweat managed to find a place with the Longhorns. He spent 5 seasons there, while having his best season in 2023. Sweat received many distinctions, including a prestigious one: that of best lineman, attack and defense combined, the Outland Trophy.
The strengths of T'Vondre Sweat
- Massive
- Mobility
- Versatility
Violent hands, massive body, long arms. When we watch T'Vondre Sweat on the field, we can't miss him. The defensive tackle takes up space on the defensive line like a mountain, and could be impactful for his opponents. In 2023, he finally knew how to use his imposing physique to put a lot of pressure on the opposing quarterback (26th last year).
For a player weighing 166 kilos, his mobility is astonishing. In addition to the firepower he can unleash, his first step from the snap is more than interesting. Thus, against offensive linemen wanting to take him at 2, he will manage to find the solution in order to provoke a positive game for his team.
With this ability to win the majority of his duels, T'Vondre Sweat can therefore be dominant in all types of defensive games. His pass rush has greatly improved in 2023, to the point of having his best statistical season in this area of his college career. Mentioned before, his mobility can allow him to chase down runners and take the play off an offensive lineman who can block him on the move.
The weak points of T'Vondre Sweat
- Regularity
- Hand technique
- Endurance, physical condition
5 seasons, 62 games, T'Vondre Sweat has experience. But his university career is marked by irregularity in his performances. Sometimes it can be impactful and in the zone, as it can disappear.
If his hands can be violent, his effectiveness is sometimes on alternating current. The Texas player is messy when it comes to getting rid of his opponent. His power can be enough, but often his impact is late, and his elimination technique leaves something to be desired. The defensive staff in which he lands will have to put in a lot of work to make him a fine player.
Finally, a problem not to be overlooked, but if his determination is unwavering, his physical condition will have to adapt to NFL games. Often playing with great determination, he can quickly run out of steam. At the professional level, effort management is important. The Texas player will have to learn to manage himself if he wants to have a successful career.
Possible destinations
Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos.
Mentioned in his profile, T'Vondre Sweat is versatile on the interior defensive line. But, his best position in the NFL should be as nose tackle. His athletic profile is rare, even if his production could be slim at the highest level.
However, beyond the statistics, he could be an excellent team player who we do not hesitate to trust. The proof is that last year, in the Big 12 conference final, he even scored a touchdown.
After this milestone, in the NFL, he may not score a touchdown so soon. If he lands on a team like the Cowboys or Bengals, his versatility could be a definite asset in a 4 line on the forehead.
With the Jaguars, Seahawks and Broncos, he could play this preferential role as a central player on the line in the rotation. Play between the guard and the tackle (defensive end) might be a little too tight in the first year, but he has the potential for the next few years to be a solid player on the defensive line. Provided he gains maturity.
