Sweat: "Told you so" after DWI

Here is news from former NFLDraftSout.com analysts, Ric Serritella and Dane Brugler.

Texas Star Arrested; Sweat Equity Down

Texas Longhorns defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat was arrested on Sunday for DWI, placing a murky cloud over his NFL Draft status.

The unfortunate news out of Austin, Texas on Sunday surrounded Texas Longhorns prospect T'Vondre Sweat, the No.1 rated defensive tackle on the NFL Draft Bible Big Board, who was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) on I-35.

He was booked at 2:12 p.m. Central time, and later exited Travis County Jail after posting a $3,000 bond with a towel draped over his head, as he refused to answer questions from the media. Per state laws, Sweat is facing a Class B misdemeanor charge, which carries a fine of up to $2,000 and 180 days in jail, according to ESPN.

The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Outland Trophy award winner, Sweat received AP All-American honors this past season, posting 45 tackles, including eight and a half tackles for loss and two sacks.

Known for burning the midnight oil, Sweat earned a reputation for his ‘partying ways’ early on during his Longhorns career. While he has remained insistent with NFL teams that his wild ways were behind him, the negative impact of his recent DWI arrest places a dim light on all the accolades, as Sweat figures to take a significant hit in the wallet due to his actions.

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While most viewed Sweat, the younger brother of Josh Sweat (Eagles), as a Day 2 selection, it was possible that he could have been chosen as high as the late first round. Now, Sweat could possibly tumble into the third round, as several organizations are certain to remove him from their board entirely.

However, he is far too talented to fall outside the top 100.

For reference, the 2024 NFL Draft slotted salary for the 30th overall pick ($12.6M) versus the 70th overall pick ($5.9), is the difference of approximately $7M.

The final story has yet to be written for Sweat, who at 366 pounds is a one-man wrecking crew on the field. First, he’ll need to conquer this chapter on adversity, which he currently faces off the field.

PRO DAY SPOTLIGHT: TOP PICKS TAKE STAGE IN APRIL

(Photo Courtesy Iowa Football: Hawkeyes cornerback expected to post freakish numbers)

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean and Utah pass-rusher Jonah Ellis are conducting their personal pro days for NFL teams on Monday, April 8. Other projected first round candidates expected to workout this month include tight end Brock Bowers and offensive tackle Amarius Mims of Georgia on April 10, in addition to Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton, whose pro day will be on April 16. Another notable name slated to workout on April 9 is Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., a projected Day-2 prospect.

*BSJ Draft Primer Series — Bonus Coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft

Combine snub gaining steam 

The NFL Scouting Combine selection process is spearheaded by National Football Scouting, Inc., led by president Jeff Foster. History has shown us that about 90% of the players selected in the NFL Draft each year are invited to the combine. Still, on any given year, there are 20-30 players who slip through the cracks for various reasons. Whether it be late summer transfers who weren't present in the spring, players stepping up due to injury, bust out players who emerge in-season, or new coaching hires, there are numerous potential factors as to why certain players are snubber from the Indianapolis festivities.

This most glaring omission this year would appear to be Northern Iowa defensive tackle Khristian Boyd, whose slight was likely attributed to small school bias. Since 2020, just 47 FCS players have been drafted, including 11 in 2023. That argument can be trashed for the sake of Boyd. The step up in level of competition didn't appear to be a problem during East-West Shrine Bowl practice week. Boyd was a man amongst boys, bullying those who lined up opposite of him with adorned Power 5 helmet stickers. 

With 23 NFL teams in attendance at Northern Iowa pro day, Boyd posted 38 bench press reps of 225 pounds. Since then, he has had 16 "30" visits, including the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. He’ll also be holding a follow-up pro day.

Here is what we had to say about Boyd back in February:

Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa [6021/320/3148/0948/7658] – Check Northern Iowa. Check. Check. Check. That was most likely what most scouts in attendance had in their notebooks, as the FCS standout constantly wore out players with Power 5 helmet stickers and checked all the boxes along the way. The FCS All-American has a wrench that fits any job, combining size, strength, get-off and tenacity. After showing out at both the Hula and Shrine bowls, expect to hear his name called on Day Three come April.

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