Montez Sweat

Summary

Montez Sweat was selected in Round 1 (#26 Overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State University after transferring from Michigan State. In college, he totaled 21.5 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss across two seasons at Mississippi State, earning First-Team All-SEC honors (2018). At the NFL level, Sweat has developed into a high-end starting edge defender, producing 45+ career sacks, 80+ tackles for loss, and consistent pressure totals through the 2024 season. After being traded to the Chicago Bears in 2023, he immediately elevated their defensive front and signed a long-term extension, solidifying his role as a foundational defensive piece. Sweat is a Pro Bowl selection (2021) and is widely respected for his professionalism, durability, work ethic, and steady leadership, bringing a businesslike, team-first approach to the edge position.

Strengths

• Unicon Physical Traits: Rare combination of size, length, and speed and prototype NFL edge rusher on the hoof. His 4.41 forty time at his size sent shock waves through the scouting community.

• Speed-to-Power Conversion: Excellent ability to translate burst into pocket-collapsing power.

• Edge Setting vs. Run: Strong at the point of attack and consistently maintains outside leverage. Exceptional backside chase ability and his range shows up on long-developing plays.

• Pass-Rush Consistency: Generates steady pressure even when sack totals fluctuate. Long arms affect throwing lanes and allow separation from blockers.

Weaknesses

• Pass-Rush Counter Depth: Relies heavily on speed-to-power and his counter move development remains average. This contributes to his high pressure numbers not always converting into consistent sacks.

• Bend & Flexibility: Wins more upright and not an elite corner-bender around the edge.

• Consistency Snap-to-Snap: Can disappear in stretches when not actively schemed into pressure. Makes his living as more of a steady producer than dominant, game-wrecking presence.

• Hand Usage Refinement: Can improve hand violence and timing to disengage more quickly.

Outlook

Sweat is best suited for multiple-front defenses that value length, power, and edge discipline. He thrives in systems that allow him to attack vertically, convert speed to power, and set a firm edge on early downs, while also reducing inside on passing situations to exploit mismatches. Sweat’s presence forces offenses to account for him in protection, improving opportunities for teammates even when he is not the primary finisher. Sweat continues to project as a long-term, high-end starting edge defender with consistent production value. While he may not profile as a pure bend-and-burst sack artist, his durability, athletic traits, and two-way impact make him a cornerstone piece for defensive fronts. With continued refinement of his pass-rush counters, Sweat has the upside to push into upper-tier edge defender status, while maintaining a high floor as a reliable, scheme-flexible pass rusher and run defender.