INDIANAPOLIS — After finishing with a top-three defense in 2023, the last thing Jets fans want to hear is they should select a defensive lineman during the upcoming draft.
Gang Green shocked many when it drafted defensive end Will McDonald in the first round last year. However, an area on the defensive line is a concern for the Jets entering the offseason.
The defensive tackle spot next to Quinnen Williams is currently vacant. Solomon Thomas and Quinton Jefferson, who both made vital impacts on the Jets’ defense last season, are both free agents. Al Woods, who was signed to help Gang Green’s rushing defense is also a free agent coming off an Achilles injury he suffered last October.
This is where Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat comes in. He isn’t projected to be a first-round pick because many question whether he can be an every-down player due to his weight.
But the 2023 Outland Trophy Award winner (best college football interior lineman) is determined to impress scouts and general managers this week at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“I’m just a big guy,” Sweat told reporters on Wednesday. “A lot of people get scared of the numbers and all that, but when y’all see me move tomorrow, I feel a lot of people will be like, ‘What about his numbers?’
“It’s just God. And I’ve got to give a big shout-out to my nutritionist at the University of Texas; they helped me a lot. And my coaches.”
On the field for the Longhorns last season, Sweat was arguably the most dominant interior lineman in the nation. He finished with 45 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks on a Texas defense that was 15th in the country in scoring defense (18.9).
Because of his outstanding season, Sweat was a first-team All-Big 12 selection. He was also named the 2023 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
During the Big 12 Championship game, Sweat lined up at tight end and caught a two-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Quinn Ewers in the back of the end zone.
Sweat is listed at 6-4, 362 pounds, but many NFL evaluators believe he is closer to weighing around 380 pounds.
“This past season, I played at 365,” Sweat said. “That’s where I feel comfortable at.”
On Thursday, Sweat weighed in at 366 pounds, which makes him the biggest player at the combine. He participated in the 40-yard dash and registered an unofficial time of 5.27.
“You know, you know how man is,” Sweat said. “We’ve got to grow into our bodies.
“This is me, as y’all can see. I’m a big guy, a big frame. That’s just how it is. I just grew into my body, man.”
What stands out about Sweat, outside of him being a mammoth of a man, is his athleticism and incredible strength. He has an excellent burst off the line of scrimmage, which helps him against slower offensive linemen. Sweat also uses his quick hands and swim techniques to win one-on-one matchups against guards and tackles. That was often demonstrated at the Senior Bowl, where he folded a lineman like a lawn chair.
There's only so much you can do to slow down 360+ pounds.
T'Vondre Sweat is inevitable when he wants to be. pic.twitter.com/oWTi3pvjUj
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 31, 2024
Because of his playing style and size, Sweat has often been compared to former Georgia and current Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis.
T’Vondre Sweat oh my… 😳🔥💪
This dude is game-wrecker. pic.twitter.com/0z0jZZLrLV
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) January 31, 2024
“I really don’t follow too many people,” Sweat said. “I’m really self-motivated. I’m really a guy that sticks to myself.
“I worry about what I’ve got to worry about. Because if I don’t worry about what I’ve got to worry about, I can’t just sit up there and worry about the next person. Know what I mean? I’ve got to focus on myself before I focus on the next person.”
Run defense was an issue last season for the Jets. They ended the year 25th in rushing yards allowed per game (124).
After Woods suffered a season-ending Achilles, the Jets defense gave up several explosive runs. That’s why a player like Sweat certainly should be on their radar.
Currently, Sweat is projected to be a second or a third-round pick in April’s draft. The problem is that the Jets currently don’t have a second-round pick due to the Aaron Rodgers trade last offseason. But there are several ways the Jets could get into the second round and potentially draft Sweat.
There’s speculation on whether the Jets could trade down from 10th overall and land somewhere in the 20s and still get the offensive lineman of their choice and later address a need at defensive tackle. If the Jets are able to do that, Sweat would be a perfect fit next to Williams on Robert Saleh’s defense in 2024.
