On Sunday, April 7th, former University of Texas star defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat was arrested on a charge of suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Austin, Texas.[1] According to local news stations, Sweat was driving on Interstate 35 and was booked at 2:12 pm.[2] Sweat posted a$3,000 bond following his arrest.[3]
Sweat was supposed to visit the Tennessee Titans and the Seatle Seahawks on Monday and Tuesday this week, but it is yet to be known if he did so..[4] The twenty-two-year-old is the fifth best defensive lineman in the draft, and some analysts have him going in the first round.[5] Sweat was the Defensive Player of the Year in the Big 12 Conference this past year after having a stellar season.[6]
Sweat, known for his size and power, measures at 6-foot-4, 366 pounds. A major concern for a lot of NFL teams was his size and his intent to be in the best shape possible. The news of his DWI may scare some teams away, especially after he had to answer questions at the NFL combine regarding his partying and his readiness to be a professional.
While Sweat is projected as a second-round pick by most experts, his draft position may continue to fall after this news. This is similar to last year, when the Jalen Carter incident took place. Carter was involved in a fatal accident for which he was charged with reckless driving and street racing. While Carter was still drafted in the first round, he dropped nearly 10 spots.[7] Projected to be the third overall pick, Carter fell to pick 10 by the Philadelphia Eagles.[8] Hopefully, Sweat is able to correct his behavior and become more serious about being a professional football player. Sweat and his agent are certainly hoping that his recent actions do not have a massive impact upon where he is drafted.
[1] Top DT prospect T’Vondre Sweat arrested for DWI in Texas (nfl.com)
[2] Texas’ T’Vondre Sweat, a 2024 NFL Draft prospect arrested, charged with DWI – Yahoo Sports
[3] Top DT prospect T’Vondre Sweat arrested for DWI in Texas (nfl.com)
[4] Id.
[5] Id.; Reports: Ex-Texas DT T’Vondre Sweat arrested for DWI | Reuters
[6] Top DT prospect T’Vondre Sweat arrested for DWI in Texas (nfl.com)
[7] Georgia’s Jalen Carter Avoids Jail Time for Role in Fatal Crash – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
[8] How Jalen Carter dropped down NFL Draft boards (nypost.com)
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