The NFL has evolved into a pass-first league, and with that, several positions have had to adapt, change, or become nearly extinct. The running backs had to learn to block and catch more than any generation before them. The tight ends are essentially larger wide receivers. The fullback is all but gone. The stout, run-stopping nose tackle has fallen into disrepair as defenses league-wide have had to adjust to the changing landscape of the trenches.
Yet, the football gods occasionally bless us with a strong and fierce player plugging up the A-gaps. This draft may have a few, but most pale compared to the enigmatic force that is T’Vondre Sweat.
Sweat, a fifth-year senior born and raised in the football heartland of Texas, steadily improved year after year to become dominant inside the 2-technique. He won the 2023 Outland Trophy as the best interior lineman in college football. The stats speak for themselves, as he saw over 450 snaps this past season while accumulating 45 tackles and two sacks.
Player Bio:
Name: T’Vondre Sweat
Jersey: No. 93
Position: Interior Defensive Lineman
School: University of Texas at Austin
Class: Fifth Year Senior
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 362 lbs
Games Watched: Washington (2024), Oklahoma State (2023), Oklahoma (2023), Alabama (2023), Baylor (2023, 2022)
Notable Injury History: A nagging shoulder injury required off-season surgery in 2021. Although Sweat did not miss any playing time, he did miss a few spring practices.
Player Breakdown:
Block Shedding (13/15)
T’Vondre Sweat has violent hands and aggression to break through most blocking schemes. His primary move is the bull rush, which he uses to great effect on centers. When he moves around to the B-gap or 3-technique, he tends to struggle a bit more, as his other moves have far less impact. There were also times throughout the season when he didn’t fight the block but nullified the offensive lineman and occupied the space. While this works great for defending against the run and screens up the middle, some scouts will perceive this as either being unfit or lazy on certain plays.
Strength at the Line of Scrimmage (14/15)
Sweat’s strength is undeniable, and the ability to bull-rush nearly any offensive personnel head-to-head proves this point time and time again. He has quick feet and gains a lower position, quickly setting the tone on most snaps. His hands are elite, as he can grapple inside the shoulder pads and move linemen out of position.
Pass Rush Ability (13/15)
Pass rushing is not the reason a team will be drafting T’Vondre Sweat. It is probably his most underrated skill. That being said, there is a ton of potential there. Again, Sweat’s powerful frame carries him through most pass rushes. An intelligent defensive coordinator will use his edge rushers to contain the pocket. At the same time, Sweat’s strength will overwhelm the A-gap, and either a blitz package or Sweat himself can disrupt the quarterback. He also demonstrates the age-old adage, “If you can’t get to the quarterback, get those hands up.” A team will draft Sweat to stop the run but will be all smiles when they see him pressuring the quarterback.
Consistency (10/15)
Where Sweat’s pass rushing is his most underrated skill, consistency has become his greatest weakness. You can’t miss the guy; his frame and speed make him an imposing force. However, he is a bit streaky with the impact that he’ll make in the game, and his stamina will come into question on long, drawn-out drives.
Push (10/10)
One of the reasons I wanted to do a scouting report on T’Vondre Sweat was the physicality he brought to the interior line. I find his first step superior, allowing his quick hands to find the sweet spot, creating unstoppable leverage play after play. Sweat demonstrates a natural power that would make the most talented guards and centers in the league grab his jersey in desperate attempts to control his momentum.
Length Usage (9/10)
Sweat uses his large frame to his advantage; his height is above average for an interior lineman, and when combined with his size, he’ll make offenses pay. Many won’t notice Sweat’s tall frame play to play as he plays low, gains his leverage, and employs his 81-inch wingspan only if he can’t get home to the backfield.
Athleticism (8/10)
With quick hands, nimble feet, and moving linemen off the ball, Sweat has every tangible a defensive lineman could want. I’ve seen his footwork as he dances through gaps and recovering from cut blocks. Sweat will make a name for himself on strength alone, especially if he sticks to the A-gap. However, conditioning will remain a concern throughout the early part of his career, with a lower, early-down snap count coming into play.
Football IQ (9/10)
Coming from the heartland of football, T’Vondre Sweat clearly shows down after down that he has high football IQ. He is a student of the game, understands most of his shortcomings, and, most importantly, is willing to work on them.
Player Summary:
T’Vondre Sweat is a throwback to those old-school dominant nose tackles of days past in the NFL. He demonstrates a raw talent, coupled with strength that will impress everyone from the front office to the diehard fans.
That being said, Sweat may or may not immediately improve a team’s defensive front, but given enough time, he may well develop into a stalwart that a defense can build around for years to come. Expect T’Vondre to be a lock and a steal early on day two, but he really should have his name called in the second half of the first round.
Rookie Projections: Early Down Nose Tackle
Third-Year Projections: Probable Starter and anchor
Final Grade: (86/100) Late-First-Round Talent
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