From now until the 2019 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#9 Montez Sweat/DE Mississippi State – 6’6 252
The Good
– Excellent size and tremendous length (35 3/8 inch arms, 84 1/2 inch wingspan)
– Shows upper body strength and ability to hold the point of attack, isn’t weak and pushed around like so many other “long” bodies on the edge
– Powerful initial strike in run and pass game, shows proper hand placement and uses length to create space between he and the blocker
– Ability to bend through contact, can string together multiple pass rush moves, bull to rip is his favorite
– Creates power on his bull rush, capable of walking guards back when he rushes the B gap
– Smart rusher who reads tackle and sets up well when given a two-way go
– Non-stop motor, high effort player who chases the ball sideline to sideline and downfield
– Big hitter who finishes his plays
– Surprisingly good leverage for his size, keeps his pad level down, especially against the run
– Versatile, played both defensive end spots, asked to stunt plenty in a defense with an NFL feel
– Highly productive career, many sacks came against quality competition
– Decent starting experience, time with his hand up and down
The Bad
– Will get a little tight turning the corner without contact, natural limitations of someone with his size/build
– While he shows hand use, can get stuck on tackles in pass game too often and for too long
– In some ways, length will hurt him when trying to go around, space created allows tackle time to recover
– Was not asked to drop into coverage, not confident in his ability in space to move backwards, likely limited to a 4-3 scheme
– In limited work, did struggle against top competition (Alabama’s Jonah Williams)
– Off the field concerns
Bio
– Two year starter (25 starts)
– Career: 29.