Steelers Wish List Wednesday: DT T'Vondre Sweat

Last year, Pittsburgh addressed the defensive trenches by taking DT Keeanu Benton in the second round. He did show flashes of potential, but that shouldn’t stop the Steelers from addressing the defensive line in this year’s draft. And with Pittsburgh needing to be better at stopping the run, there might not be a better match in this year's draft than the guy I'm about to tell you about.

T’Vondre Sweat, to say the least, is a big man. He is 6’4” and 362 pounds with a wingspan of a little over 81 inches. To say he is one of the best run-stoppers in this draft is an understatement. He excels at stopping the run and absorbing double-team blocks, allowing his teammates to make plays. He isn’t the best pass rusher and that’s why pairing him with Benton, who has consistent pass rush moves, has the potential to be a lethal duo. He only had two sacks, but he had the highest PFF grade for interior defensive linemen at 91.7.

Sweat was a key part of Texas’ success, and he can help the Steelers out too. If Omar Khan drafts Sweat, he is covering up major holes in the defense. He was born to stop the run and that is something the Steelers lack. And it would free players like Heyward, Ogunjobi, and Benton to rush the passer. Sweat taking double-team blocks will also allow the off-ball linebackers to play more freely. It seems like a win-win, and there is no reason for Pittsburgh to not take a serious look at him.

If it doesn’t pan out like fans would like I still think he is an upgrade to the position room. He would take the spot of Monty Adams on the depth chart. And the thought of an interior defensive line room of Benton, Sweat, and Adams would cause chaos to opposing teams.



What do you think Steelers fans, is T’Vondre Sweat on your radar? Should the Steelers draft him in April?