2019 NFL Draft: 10 first round targets for the Kansas City Chiefs

The case for moving up for Montez Sweat

Overview

Montez Sweat’s draft stock has skyrocketed because of his incredible athletic testing at the combine. Posting an incredible 40-yard dash time of 4.41 seconds—faster than most wide receivers—caused many scouts to turn their heads. Sweat’s athletic testing was among the best in this year’s class. Perhaps more incredible is how long his arms are, measuring in at a whopping 35 3/4″. In his career at Mississippi State, Sweat recorded 24 sacks, 19 quarterback hits and 50 hurries.

Fit with Chiefs:

For Kansas City, and emphasis on length and strength up front has become a major priority of Brett Veach and Steve Spagnuolo. After parting ways with both Justin Houston and Dee Ford, the Chiefs will be in the market for a new and dominant EDGE that fits Spagnuolo’s scheme. With a great balance of size and athleticism, moving up for Montez Sweat would make a lot of sense.

Sweat’s length and athleticism would be an incredible addition to the Chiefs EDGE across from Alex Okafor, Emmanuel Ogbah and Breeland Speaks. That rotation will be one that could pay off dividends for Steve Spagnuolo and the Chiefs new defense, but acquiring Sweat would likely not be an easy task.

What it would take for the Chiefs to acquire Montez Sweat

Many mock draft are now projecting Sweat as a top ten pick in this year’s draft. While I can certainly understand the potential and upside that he possesses, I have serious questions about his bend and his hand usage at the next level. I think that there is a definite chance that we see him fall much further than people are expecting. If he is a top ten guy, the Chiefs will have no chance at him. If he is available in the early to mid-teens, the Chiefs could absolutely part with their first and second and potentially a late round pick to move up for him.