Chiefs Visiting With Controversial First-Round Prospect

The Chiefs are being vigilant in visiting with prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft class ahead of the first round in just over a week. On Monday, they visited with controversial defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, who was recently arrested on DWI charges following a two-vehicle car crash in Austin, Texas.

A unanimous first-team All-American selection after leading one of the nation's elite defenses in 2023, Sweat is considered one of the best defensive linemen in this class and a logical fit for Kansas City, so much so that I took him in the first round of my first mock draft.

However, the Chiefs are already dealing with Rashee Rice's legal saga involving a separate crash in Texas. Adding Sweat could raise eyebrows, especially given the circumstances with Rice and former Chiefs' assistant coach Britt Reid (son of Andy Reid), who pleaded guilty to a DWI that left a five-year-old girl in a coma.

Chiefs Draft News: KC Visiting With Controversial Prospect T'Vondre Sweat

Sweat has justifiably fallen down draft boards following his arrest, going from a potential first-round prospect to, in some cases, a third-round or later pick. It's wise for the Chiefs' staff to do their due diligence, though it's hard not to question the optics if Kansas City does take the former Longhorn star.

Interior defensive line depth is a need for the Chiefs in this draft and few prospects offer the rare blend of size, power, and speed that Sweat does. He had 45 tackles, five deflected passes and two sacks in 2023, anchoring a Texas defense that finished No. 3 nationally in run defense.

That's an area the Chiefs have struggled in defensively, making Sweat a natural fit for the roster. Of course, teams conduct many visits with players they do not ultimately draft, so this may be nothing more than the front office doing its research on a talented player.

It's hard to see Brett Veach taking Sweat in the first round, though it's possible the organization is willing to take a risk if the 6'4", 362 LB behemoth slips in the draft.

He's a highly talented player, but getting a DWI during an accident is a red flag that might be too bright for this organization in particular to ignore.

We'll see what happens when the Chiefs are on the clock, and it'll be interesting to see how the franchise navigates a tricky next couple of weeks.

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