NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Who are the Kansas City Chiefs taking?

T'Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas

The latest mock from CBS Sports writer Garrett Podell takes a different turn than most with the selection of a defensive lineman for the Chiefs: T'Vondre Sweat out of the University of Texas. Sweat had 45 tackles, including 8 for a loss, 4 passes deflected, and 2 sacks last season for the Longhorns.

There's no secret to what Sweat would bring to a team like the Chiefs given that he weighs over 360 lbs. and stands 6'4". Sweat utilizes his massive frame well inside to shed blocks and stuff the run as a pro-ready nose tackle who would provide a significant boost to the Chiefs' front line.

The Chiefs haven't made a significant investment along the defensive interior since they selected Derrick Nnadi in the second round of Brett Veach's first overall draft class back in 2018. Remember the Chiefs have settled at the position for low-cost alternatives to plug in next to Chris Jones, such as Mike Pennel or Matt Dickerson, so it might be a curveball to think they'd go first-round pick here. Or maybe that's actually a sign that it's time.

Is Sweat a first-round product? There are some real concerns here considering that Sweat's stamina won't allow him to impact the game as much as he could if his conditioning was considerably better. Pass rush technique needs work and there's a limited ceiling here even if he can be useful as a two-down lineman. This feels like a reach for the Chiefs even if it's a good idea positionally speaking. Just a round too early.