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The Buffalo Bills didn’t add any marquee pass rushers in free agency like they wanted to. They did their homework on multiple guys like Trey Flowers and Ziggy Ansah, and while Ansah is still available, his medical checks might be what are holding teams back from taking a flier on him. Montez Sweat would fill an immediate need for the Bills as an EDGE defender.
Joe Marino of The Draft Network and Lance Zierlein of NFL.com have this to say about Sweat:
Joe Marino
Sweat’s skill set projects favorably to a 4-3 defensive end role in the NFL where his length, ability to defend the run and his strengths as a pass rusher [are] maximized. Despite compiling 22.5 sack over the last two seasons at Mississippi State, Sweat isn’t likely to be that caliber of a sack artist in the NFL on account of his modest burst, twitch and flexibility. Sweat is a technician that can be a standout against the run while offering some pass rushing upside that comes with restrictions.
Lance Zierlein
Some will see Sweat as a leggy edge prospect with average play strength and a lack of refinement in his pass rush. I see a talent, similar to Danielle Hunter out of LSU, with above-average length and a prospect who should continue to grow into his frame, allowing him to unleash his rush flashes into a consistent attack. His transition as an NFL rusher will take some time, but like Hunter, he should come out on the other side as a good, impact starter as an every-down edge defender.
During his junior and senior season in college, after he got settled in at Mississippi State, Sweat flourished for the Bulldogs defense. Over 26 games, Sweat recorded 101 total tackles, including 26 sacks and 30 tackles for loss. His final two years of production are what NFL teams are looking for at the next level.
Outside of Jerry Hughes, the Bills’ pass rush is nonexistent. Between Shaq Lawson and Trent Murphy, Sweat would be an immediate upgrade over the other pass rushers on the roster. Sweat should be on the board at ninth overall, but it just takes one team in front of them to fall in love with him.