Top NFL draft prospects like J.J. McCarthy, Drake Maye, and Caleb Williams have generated a lot of excitement, but Texas defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat has also received attention. NFL teams, such as the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, have taken notice of him due to his outstanding performance during the last five years at Texas.
While the NFL community deals with Patrick Mahomes Sr.’s DUI case, Sweat finds himself entangled in a similar scenario, potentially impacting his draft prospects and overshadowing his on-field achievements.
Latest update on T’Vondre Sweat’s DUI arrest
Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Austin, Texas, on Sunday. Reports indicate that Sweat was booked into Travis County Jail at 2:12 p.m. CT and later posted a $3,000 bond to secure his release.
The arrest is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Unfortunately, it comes at a critical time for the young star, occurring less than three weeks before the NFL Draft. Neither Sweat nor his attorney addressed questions about how this incident might affect his draft prospects.
Footage from KXAN-TV showed the 22-year-old leaving jail with a towel over his head and a mask covering part of his face, accompanied by his attorney. His attorney also refrained from addressing the matter, stating, “we’re not talking about the incident.”
As of now, it remains unclear when Sweat will appear in court regarding the charges. The Texas hero declared for the NFL draft after playing a key role in Texas’ journey to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
T’Vondre Sweat NCCA stats
T’Vondre Sweat had a standout season in 2023, showcasing his prowess on the field for the Texas Longhorns. His impressive stats included a career-high 45 tackles, with 18 of those being solo tackles. Additionally, he notched eight tackles for loss, two sacks, four pass breakups, and even a memorable two-yard touchdown reception.
These stellar performances earned him recognition as the Big 12 defensive player of the year and the prestigious Outland Trophy for the best interior lineman in college football, per NBCBFW.
Furthermore, he was honored as a unanimous All-American, joining an elite group of Longhorns to receive such recognition. Among them are legendary names like Scott Appleton, Brad Shearer, Steve McMichael, and Kenneth Sims.
Throughout his five-year career at Texas, Sweat amassed impressive stats totaling 127 tackles, five sacks, 15 passes defended, and one forced fumble. His contributions solidified his status as a top prospect entering the NFL draft.
Nevertheless, his recent off-field troubles have cast a shadow over his draft prospects. Following his arrest for driving under the influence, there are concerns that his draft stock may plummet. Previously projected as a first- or second-round pick, Sweat’s future in the draft now seems uncertain.
Teams may exercise caution in selecting him, potentially leading to his slide down the draft board into the later rounds.
