Possible Giants draft target Montez Sweat runs blazing fast 40-yard dash

Former Mississippi State DE runs 4.41 at NFL Combine

3/3/2019, 7:13 PM
Jan 22, 2019; Mobile, AL, USA; South defensive end Montez Sweat of Mississippi State (9) battles with South offensive tackle Tytus Howard of Alabama State (58) knocking off his helmet during the South squad 2019 Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports / John David Mercer
Jan 22, 2019; Mobile, AL, USA; South defensive end Montez Sweat of Mississippi State (9) battles with South offensive tackle Tytus Howard of Alabama State (58) knocking off his helmet during the South squad 2019 Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports / John David Mercer

So fast he hardly broke a sweat. 

One of the more eye-popping numbers from this weekend's NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis was the 4.41 mark former Mississippi State DE Montez Sweat posted in the 40-yard dash Sunday. It's even more impressive when considering Sweat is a defensive lineman who stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 260 pounds. It's also the new fastest time on record from a defensive lineman, besting Jadeveon Clowney's time of 4.53 in 2014.  

Sweat is a prospect that has been steadily moving up draft boards since the college season ended. After his strong showing at the Senior Bowl in January and at the Combine over the last few days, his stock should rise once again. 

The Giants own the No. 6 pick in this year's first round. Many expect the Giants to select a quarterback at that spot, but general manager Dave Gettleman could opt to address pass-rushing needs at that spot. Most recently, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper had Sweat going fifth overall -- one pick ahead of the Giants -- to the Buccaneers. 

Following his senior season with the Bulldogs, Sweat was named first-team SEC by the league's coaches and was a Bednarik Award, given to the nation's top defensive lineman, semifinalist. In 2018, the Stone Mountain, Ga., native led the team in sacks for the second straight season with 11.5. He also racked up 14 tackles for loss. 

The NFL Draft begins on April 25. 

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