Texas Longhorns defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat had some big questions to answer for coaches and general managers during the pre-draft process. Just weeks out from the 2024 NFL Draft, promises he reportedly made to teams have already been broken.
Sweat, age 22, faced significant questions entering the offseason about his weight, conditioning and maturity. As part of the evaluation process, NFL teams learned from the Longhorns’ coaching staff about the defensive lineman’s work habits and some off-field struggles.
Related: T’Vondre Sweat arrested ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
- T’Vondre Sweat stats (ESPN): 17.5 tackles for loss, 13 pass deflections, 5 sacks in 51 games
According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, it’s why when Sweat met one-on-one with teams this offseason he addressed his habits of “partying” at college and emphasized to coaches and executives that his issues were behind him.
On Sunday, as first reported by NBC’s KXAN, Sweat was booked into the Travis County Jail on charges of driving while intoxicated. The charges came after the Austin Police Department arrested Sweat at 2:12 pm. local time and charged with a Class B misdemeanor for driving while intoxicated.
- T’Vondre Sweat PFF: 91.7 PFF grade, 12.8 percent run-stop win rate, 15.3 percent pass-rush win rate
While it’s only a minor issue for him legally, there could be far greater ramifications for him in the 2024 NFL Draft. He isn’t yet subject to NFL rules, but the league’s Personal Conduct Policy mandates a one-game suspension if an NFL player is charged with DUI and it’s their first offense.
The arrest, coming just days before the 2024 NFL Draft, will also raise further questions for teams about Sweat’s decision-making. Players are expected to avoid any situation that would expose them to legal trouble ahead of the draft and Sweat was unable to do that. Considering he’s already broken the promise he made to NFL coaches and general managers, it’s very possible it could push him even further down the draft.
