Montez Sweat's Potential Top-10 NFL Draft Pick In Jeopardy, Heart Condition Revealed

Montez Sweat, the defensive end from Mississippi State, who lit up the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine at Indianapolis in February has a medical condition that is likely to make every franchise sit up and take notice.

NFL.com reported that the doctors at the Combine took an extensive look at the player owing to his pre-existing heart condition, something that was not known publicly prior to his impressive showing at Indianapolis.

The doctors at the Combine have been known to prevent players from participating at the event owing to medical issues but gave the all-clear for the defensive end after deeming his heart condition low risk.

In the 2018 Combine, Michigan State’s defensive tackle Maurice Hurst was pulled up for a heart issue and was kept from performing despite it being a condition that was made public prior to the event. Hurst’s absence in the event saw him drop to Round 5 in the Draft to the Oakland Raiders after initially being viewed as a top-50 talent.

And Sweat was not one to turn down the chance and the 260-pound defensive end ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, which is a record for a defensive end and according to the report, his overall performance has vaulted him a potential top end 2019 NFL Draft pick.

The 22-year-old’s condition was known to his agents, but they were not allowed to comment on it owing to privacy issues. But they were clear that his condition was in no way going to prevent him from dominating the Combine and the Senior Bowl.

“Because of privacy issues, we are not allowed to comment specifically. 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’s agents told NFL.com in a statement.

The NFL franchises are said to be in the process of deciding how they will “handle the news” about a potential top-10 pick carrying a health concern. It is certain to affect his draft picture, but he could be one of the top picks if given the proper clearance.