2019 NFL Draft: Five key prospects for Kansas City Chiefs fans to know

1. Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State

The darling of the NFL Combine, Montez Sweat dropped jaws around the league with a blistering 4.41 40 time. Sweat came into the combine as an established, prolific SEC pass rusher with legitimate questions about his athleticism and speed. Sweat quickly squashed those questions by turning in performances that had him in the top 5 in the 40-yard dash, broad jump, and 3-cone drills.

Sweat should hear his name called early in the 2019 NFL Draft. He went from a projected late 1st rounder to a top 15 pick with his combine performance, showcasing athletic potential not many were aware of. The biggest criticism of Sweat was his lack of bend as a pass rusher, as he looked rigid at times when trying to get to the quarterback. Sweat relies on burst, powerful hands, balance, and length to rush the passer.

Sweat had 22.5 sacks and a staggering 30 tackles for a loss in two years at Mississippi State.

If you read any scouting report on Montez Sweat and hold it up next to what Brett Veach and Andy Reid said about Breeland Speaks last year, it’s easy to believe that the Veach and the Chiefs may covet the pass rusher. I have to wonder if Brett Veach is standing outside Andy’s house right now with a box full of DVDs containing every play from Sweat.

There is a problem here, however, if you have not put it together yet: Sweat is seen as a top 15, perhaps even top 10 pick, and the Chiefs select at No. 29 in the first round. That is less of a problem when you have Brett Veach and extra draft capital. Veach is unashamedly bold in getting his guys, and as we discussed on the Arrowhead Addict Podcast, Sweat is more than likely on Brett Veach’s list of guys he wants.