Montez Sweat (Mississippi State)
Next up is Montez Sweat, who is yet another pass rusher that’s been getting plenty of hype on the Twittersphere. There isn’t as much to praise as there is with Burns, but I still enjoy Sweat as a prospect.
In his senior season at Mississippi State, Sweat posted 53 tackles, 12 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
The most appealing part of Sweat’s game is in his bend. It’s the one area where I actually think Sweat stands superior to Burns.
After three steps…
..Sweat uses an impressive shove move on the right tackle, getting him out of his way.
His bending ability here looks pretty similar to a guy like Von Miller or Harold Landry, two sensational edge rushing prospects in their own rights.
Kansas State’s quarterback just barely manages to get this pass off, but takes a hit in the process.
One complaint I have with Sweat – not only is Burns far more versatile than him, but Sweat comes off as a little stiff at times.
Here, Sweat makes an impressive two-step move on the left tackle…
…and appears to have enough leverage to bring down Ole Miss’ quarterback…
…but he can’t wrap him up, allowing the quarterback to escape from his clutches and pick up more yards than Sweat intended him to.
Praise goes to Sweat for creating the pressure, but if he’s ever going to make himself an elite defensive end, he’ll need to be less stiff. Overall, however, his bend and power make him appealing enough that I certainly would not mind the Panthers drafting him at 16 – he still has some flaws to work out, that’s why he’s not my pick if all three are on the board.
Another thing to keep in mind with Sweat is his heart condition that cropped up at this year’s scouting combine, so that may be a thing that turns off several teams – although the Panthers didn’t mind when Star Lotulelei had an issue in 2013.
Up Next: Clelin Ferrell
