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Josh Sweat, Florida State: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Oct 10, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State defensive end Josh Sweat pressures Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) as Florida State beats Miami 29-24 at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State defensive end Josh Sweat pressures Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) as Florida State beats Miami 29-24 at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Beil-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida State’s Josh Sweat is a pass-rushing prospect who has flashed the ability to get after the quarterback.

Josh Sweat is a long and athletically build defensive edge prospect. He features excellent arm length which he uses to gain inside hands. This commitment to proper hand technique is one of the keys to his success.

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Sweat possesses raw strength and the upper-body power to keep clean. He routinely rolls his hips and delivers an initial jolt. After he gains inside hands, he is able to press the defender and create space. This space helps Sweat locate the football and disengage. It will also be an important factor to his ability to develop more pass rush moves.

As a pass rusher, Sweat is raw mainly looking to work around the edge. He rarely uses an inside counter move nor does he look to employ a power rush. The tools are present for Sweat to develop these traits but he just needs more experience.

His potential as a pass rusher depends on if he’s able to find multiple ways to get after the quarterback. Sweat doesn’t show the elite burst needed to consistently win off the edge. He’s a good overall athlete but can be a little stiff.

Sweat needs to do a better job dipping his shoulder and flattening. There are occasions where he fails to bend and falls as he turns the corner.

Against the run, he plays with integrity and a high motor. Sweat does a great job of using his hands to work off blocks while also anchoring after contact. His combination of low pad level, hand usage and raw strength make him a very effective run defender.

Overall, Sweat flashes the ability to be a high-end NFL prospect. He needs to learn more pass rush moves and show more explosiveness off the edge if he wants to continue to climb up draft boards.

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