New York Jets 2019 NFL draft profile: EDGE Montez Sweat

Here’s our 2019 NFL Draft profile for Mississippi State edge rusher Montez Sweat, breaking down his strengths, weaknesses, and New York Jets prediction.

Will the New York Jets ever figure out their edge rusher problem?

That’s the question that the Jets front office and fans will try to figure out the answer to in the 2019 NFL Draft. The draft is loaded with edge rushers and Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat is one of the best ones in the draft. Sweat is being projected as a top 10 pick by many draft analysts it will be interesting to see where he lands in the draft.

Below, we examine Sweat’s strengths, weaknesses, and a prediction on what the Jets could do with Sweat on the board at number three.

Strengths

Sweat is a mountain of a man at 6-6, 260 pounds, and has a long frame that coaches can help mold into an elite edge rusher. Sweat has a long second stride and long arms that can get into offensive linemen to help create leverage. Sweat earned All-SEC honors during his time with the Bulldogs and in 2018, was a first-team All-SEC selection and second team All-American honors. Sweat recorded 53 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and led the team with 11.5 sacks. Sweat has been compared to Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter, who recorded 14.5 sacks in 2018 (4th best in the NFL).

Weaknesses

Sweat’s biggest weakness is his lack of power in the lower half of his body. Scouts have stated he lacks power in his lower half and lacks balance to tackle in the open field. Sweat needs to improve his hand placement and play with more fluid hips. Sweat has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL but needs to pack on more muscle and play loose. When I look at Montez Sweat, I see a lot of Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd in him mostly due to the physical tools.

New York Jets Prediction

Sweat is another prospect the Jets could target in the middle first round if they trade down with a team looking for a quarterback. Sweat could help the Jets solve their pass rushing problems but it’s highly unlikely the Jets pick Sweat. Sweat is a good player but would be a reach at three if the Jets stay in that spot.