HEADLINES

Montez Sweat

Dolphins Eyeing Defensive Ends Via Draft?

March 30th, 2019 at 9:04am CST by Ben Levine

The Dolphins have moved on from Robert Quinn, Cameron Wake, and Andre Branch this offseason, so the team is predictably in the market for defensive ends. It sounds like the organization may try to fill those holes via the draft, as Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes that the Dolphins have scheduled workouts with a number of prospects.

Jackson writes that Dolphins defensive line coach Marion Hobby recently gave a private workout to Louisiana Tech lineman Jaylon Ferguson, who has been graded as a second-round pick. The Dolphins have also scheduled visits with TCU’s L.J. Collier and Old Dominion’s Oshane Ximines, a pair of players who are also expected to be selected in the second or third round. Miami is currently armed with one second-rounder and one third-rounder: the 48th-overall pick and 78th-overall pick, respectively.

It sounds like the Dolphins may even consider opting for a defensive end in the first round, where they’re currently holding the 13th pick. Jackson notes that the team has also shown interest in Clemson defensive end Clelin Ferrell, FSU’s Brian Burns, and Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat. If the Dolphins want Sweat, it might require a trade, as the lineman is currently projected to go in the top-10.

The Dolphins are currently only rostering four defensive ends with any NFL experience. That grouping includes Charles Harris, Tank Carradine, Jonathan Woodard, and Jeremiah Valoaga.

Montez Sweat Has Pre-Existing Heart Condition

March 17th, 2019 at 2:58pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Mississippi State defensive end Montez Sweat — who is widely viewed as a potential top-15 selection in the 2019 draft — was diagnosed with a pre-existing heart condition at the scouting combine, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Per Rapoport, doctors gave Sweat a “thorough” evaluation at the combine because of the condition. However, Sweat was still cleared to participate in all combine activities, so it’s unclear how serious of a condition Sweat is working through. Medical professionals deemed Sweat’s issue “low-risk” and didn’t exclude him from the combine, something doctors have done before (including once in 2019, per RapSheet).

“Because of privacy issues we are not allowed to comment specifically,” said Sweat’s agents. “But I will tell you that this is not news. Montez is the same person that was medically cleared to play and dominate the SEC, the Senior Bowl, and the NFL combine. No change in health and no change in domination!”

Sweat, who stands 6’6″, 245 pounds, was a terror for the Bulldogs over the past two seasons, compiling 22.5 sacks and 30 tackles for loss over that span. Following that performance, he proceeded to light up the combine, posting a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, an all-time record speed for a defensive lineman.