Run Defense
Surprisingly for a developmental prospect, Sweat is actually probably more technically developed as a run defender than as a pass rusher. While his pad level is, once again, a concern:
The strength he flashes as a pass rusher once again shows up in run defense:
And he generally does a good job of using his hands to keep defenders away from his frame, allowing him to set the edge effectively:
And also allowing him to penetrate inside at times:
Though, this is something it would be nice to see him do more consistently. Given his frame, there are going to be some concerns about his ability to hold up at the point of attack:
It would probably be a stretch to say that Sweat is going to be a plus run defender from day one, but he is usually able to do what he is asked to do by the scheme, with his power and length offering the potential for further development as well as increased value in any scheme that asks him to penetrate on a consistent basis.
In summation, there are a number of things to like with Sweat – his speed jumps off the screen and there are really intriguing flashes of hand usage and power, but in order to being to merit some of the pre-draft hype he has received, he will need to make significant improvements in terms of his pad level both against the run and the pass as well as putting significant time and effort into developing a reliable inside rush game.
These aren’t things beyond the realms of possibility, but there is a very long list of hyper-athletic edge-rusher busts which suggest that this isn’t something that can be taken for granted.
Grade: Third Round
Best-Case NFL Comparison: Vic Beasley
