After re-signing Mike Pennell, Chris Jones, and others, it’s pretty clear the Kansas City Chiefs don’t have to target a defensive tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft. If they did, it would be fine because there is always room for improvement in that position.
However, grabbing one early would be something not many people think will happen. They have far more needs than defensive tackle, like offensive tackle, edge rusher, wide receiver, and even positions like tight end and linebacker. So, defensive tackle is pretty far down the line there.
However, the Chiefs and their media team have done some scouting, and one of the players, Matt McMullen, the Chiefs reporter, recently made a video about Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. Sweat is A to Z Sports’ 43rd overall prospect and the seventh overall defensive tackle on our big board.
Chris Jones and Charles Omenihu both reacted to some of his highlights on Twitter. Jones used the two shocked emojis, and Omenihu said, “He would be nice for us 95.”
On A to Z Sports’ Big Board, Sweat is projected to go late in the third round, as his measurables and times weren’t that great. The Chiefs could very well use a day two or three pick on him. If they did, here is a bit of what they may be getting in terms of his strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS
Massive block-eater, immovable in the run game
Rare pass rushing juice for a nose tackle. Bludgeons IOL with his club-swim
Slaps down the hands to disarm blockers
Uses backhand to clear a path & split overtake combos
Excellent processing & block anticipation
Textbook lock-peek-shed technique
Takes complete control of single blocks
WEAKNESSES
Doesn’t have an explosive first step
Despite his size, he lacks much of a power element as a pass rusher
Lacks closing burst to convert early wins into sacks
Inconsistent planting post-foot vs. double teams
The Chiefs wouldn’t be wasting a pick if they drafted Sweat, per se, but they should use that pick elsewhere. However, it is safe to say that with the development Steve Spagnuolo and Joe Cullen have done to the defensive line, Sweat could turn into something crazy, especially next to those two guys.