(02-01-2024, 08:03 AM)JagsFanClubOfMD Wrote: T’Vondre Sweat is one of my favorite players in this draft.

After seeing this, I wanted to read up more on Sweat- who has also been intriguing to me. I have to admit- the more I read, the more I liked him! He was truly a difference maker for Texas' defense as few teams could run effectively against them. Despite being at least 360 pounds ( he didn't weigh in at Mobile ), he moves more like a defensive end. His athleticism is off the charts as was evidenced by his also being a basketball star in high school who earned defensive player of the year. He had the ability to cover both guards and centers on the court. Since graduating high school, he gained 100 pounds which certainly doesn't always improve someone's effectiveness on the field. Getting used to this weight gain could certainly explain some of his inconsistency while at Texas. 

Of course, the big question is whether Sweat would be worth taking at pick 17. Due to his weight, there is certainly some risk ( see Mehki Becton and other mammoth draft picks who failed). In my opinion, this is where your GM and scouting dept. earn ( or don't earn) their money. While interviews with the player and his previous coaches and psychological testing are no guarantee, this is most important for any first round pick. The Jaguars have somewhat of a history in taking 1st rounders who had "issues" that should have not been missed. Justin Blackmon is the best example as one team ( Tampa ) took him off their board due to the time he spent at a local bar at Oklahoma State. Tampa's scout literally spent a week hanging out at the bar Blackmon was known to frequent and did not like what he saw. They subsequently traded that pick to the Jaguars who moved up 2 spots to take Blackmon and we all know how that turned out. R.J. Soward and Matt Jones were also very risky picks for different reasons, but both failed to reach their potential with the Jaguars.

Sweat appears to have no problem with his character and is considered a hard worker. He also has a very engaging personality and is likely to be very well-liked by the fans. His love of country music would also appeal to much of the local fanbase. If he hits a home run in the pre-draft evaluations, he may not even be available at pick 17. If he is, Baalke's decision will be very tough. If he actually performs to his NFL ceiling, he would not only help any team's run defense, but also enable the pass rushers to thrive. I don't know what type of defense Nielsen will utilize, but imagine Sweat lining up next to Travon Walker on certain schemes. It's hard to imagine the defense wouldn't thrive with those two rushing from the inside and Josh Allen from the outside. 

This Board will likely be having several debates whether Sweat or a dominant offensive lineman like JPJ or Fuaga would be the better pick. Free agency will help answer many of our questions, but there's no doubt that Sweat must be a consideration at pick 17.

---