Packers Nation, I have a new player for you to love, his name is T’Vondre Sweat, and I think he will be the cornerstone in the next Packers Championship Defense. Let’s go through his best attributes together, shall we? I promise you, he does stuff you’ve never have seen before!
Production
In 2023, as a fifth year senior, T’Vondre played in all 13 of Texas’ games and was a cornerstone piece of their stout defense that propelled the team to a 12-1 record and a playoff appearance. He had 25 tackles, 13 assists, and 25 stops. Rushing the passer he earned 28 pressures, including 23 hurries, 3 QB hits, and 2 sacks. For this outstanding work, T’Vondre won the Outland Trophy, the award given to the best college football interior lineman each year. The Packers love drafting players who played big-time ball and excelled against top competition. Consider that box checked.
Size
“The Good Lord only made so many…”
Ted Thompson
One of the first things you’ll notice about T’Vondre Sweat is that the guy is MASSIVE. He stands 6’4 and weighs in at 366 pounds; there is no singular human bigger than him in this draft. When you watch T’Vondre on tape, you’ll see him clogging up the middle on run plays and consistently demanding a double-team, thereby creating opportunities for his teammates to hunt. (Clears throat: Edgerrin Cooper)
Speed???
In 2016, after the Packers took Kenny Clark in the first round and traded up to get Jason Spriggs in the 2nd round, then director of Pro Personnel, Brian Gutekunst, a faithful Ted Thompson disciple, put his spin on Ted’s famous quote:
“I just think that it’s the hardest thing to do at any level of football, [including] high school, college. God only made so many of them, and he only made so many of them that can move. We’re all looking for [big guys] at every level.”
Now as Packers GM, Brian will have taken note of T’Vondre’s performance in the 40 yard dash:
T’Vondre Sweat at 366 lbs just ran his 40 yard dash in 5.27 seconds and it was FLUID. Sweat’s adjusted 40 time at his height and weight is like an 180 pound DB running a 4.26. 🤯 @TvondreSweatpic.twitter.com/NQzcBwGtHj
Looks like this guy has an incredible speed for his size. Not sure if RGIII’s math checks out, but it is impressive any way you slice it. Is this one of the rare finds Ted told Brian to look out for.
Strength
Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m here to announce to you that T’Vondre Sweat is strong as an ox. I first started paying attention to him when I saw him fold this poor O-lineman in half in a 1-on-1 drill at the Senior Bowl.
There's only so much you can do to slow down 360+ pounds.
We know the Packers love Senior Bowl guys, and I can only imagine this rep was the talk of the town for a while. He made a lot of money with that raw display of power.
It’s not just practice, he does it in games too. He manhandles the poor chap below with one arm, swims off when the QB goes to escape, and destroys the play:
Texas DT T’Vondre Sweat is one of highest graded DL in the country this season bc of his size & strength. Longhorns have him listed at 6-4, 360
When you watch T’vondre’s highlights below, you’ll notice a theme: Sweat makes a TON of plays batting down balls. When he can’t get to the passer, he keeps his eyes up and hands active. He even blocks kicks! His ability to get his hands up and high causes a 2 point score for his team in the opening highlight below.
Offensive Potential?
Just when you couldn’t be more impressed with T’Vondre, Texas found another use for him… the guy can catch!
6' 4", 362 lb T'Vondre Sweat hit the Heisman pose after this big man TD 😂🔥
Imagine Coach LaFleur putting in a short-yardage/goal line package for Sweat. Imagine they use it all season to clear the way for Josh Jacobs touchdowns. Then, in the playoffs, on a must-have 4th and goal, the Packers switch it up and throw him this one. It would be the stuff of legend.
The play above made possible the greatest photo a D-tackle has ever gotten in game:
Conclusion
If you’re anything like me, you’re tired of seeing opposing offenses run the ball on first down for 6-7 yards a clip. Last year, On 3rd or 4th and 1, the chances of the Packers getting off the field were near zero. When you think of the great championship defenses of the past, there is almost always a big man in the middle causing hell for the opposing teams. Chris Jones for the Chiefs, Aaron Donald, Haloti Ngata, Vince Wilfork, BJ Raji. The list goes on. Coach LaFleur said they wanted to have a championship offseason this year. Adding T’Vondre Sweat to the squad would be a good first step in building the next great Packers Championship Defense.
Jack Bisase
Jack is a diplomat, musician, father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He has been a diehard Packers fan for 30 years and has the scars to prove it. For more of his musings, click on the icons below to follow him on social media.
