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Pros: A four-year starter, Sweed has the prototypical size that teams salivate over. This size gives him the ability to separate from defenders at the line of scrimmage, as well as shield them off when trying to make a play down the field. He has bulk, length, and an excellent wingspan, allowing him to snag most balls in his vicinity. In addition to size, Sweed also possesses great strength and, like a true possession receiver, the Texas playmaker has a dependable set of hands. This Longhorn can make the catch on the move, over the shoulder, as well as among defenders and has above average agility, often making acrobatic catches look rather easy. He is more athletic then most men of his size, and especially agile when the ball is in the air. Sweed is a solid route runner with the ability to pick up yards after the catch, using both his size and quickness to make defenders miss. Faster than advertised at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Cons: Sweed lacks breakaway speed, which could ultimately limit his potential as a professional. While he has been solid, he has never had the huge season many projected when he arrived in Austin, failing to reach 50 receptions or 1,000 receiving yards in any single season. The biggest flaw in Sweed’s game may be his propensity to use his chest to guide the ball in, rather than using his hands to grab the ball. While he’s not afraid to go over the middle, Sweed has shied away from contact and will sometimes “hear footsteps.” He doesn’t always play to his size and needs to work on his blocking. Despite his size, durability is obviously a concern with injuries plaguing him the past season and beyond (Senior Bowl).

Overall: Though not spectacular, the Texas receiver has steadily improved throughout his career in Austin. He may not be a prototypical number one receiver at the next level, but he should be a solid starter for years to come with the potential to develop into one of the better number two options in the game. He is at his best working the sidelines and the red zone, which could make him a scoring machine.

Mogollon’s View: Sweed’s potential may have been overrated–he is not the next Roy Williams–but because of his injury, he did not help himself in 2007. This could cause him to slip and make him a mid-second round steal. He will never be extremely productive but, as was the case at UT, his value will exceed his numbers in the NFL. When he was out with his injury, it was very evident in the Longhorns’ passing attack. He makes the most of his catches.

Murphy’s View: Sweed was rated as the top prospect at this position entering his senior year, but was hampered by a wrist injury, which required surgery and put him out for the season. There are concerns about his burst in the open field and his ability to be physical enough to be a top-flight receiver at the NFL level.

Factoid: Before his freshman year, Sweed asked former Longhorn star receiver Roy Williams’ permission to wear No.4, his high school jersey number. Sweed’s 20 career touchdown receptions rank second all time in Texas history to Williams’ 36.

Medical Examiner:

• 10/6/07— Even though he was cleared to play, Sweed may have come back from a wrist injury too soon, re-injuring the wrist and missing six games. He underwent successful surgery to repair and help tighten the ligaments on 10/16/07.

• He also suffered an ankle injury against Central Florida, but bounced back the following week to have his strongest game of the season before his senior year was cut short.

Highlights of Accomplishments:

• Twentieth Place, NCAA Career Receiving Touchdowns (20) Amongst All Players

• 2006 First Team All-Big 12

• Seventh Place, 2006 NCAA Receiving Touchdowns (12)

• Seventh Place, 2006 Big 12 Receiving Yards (801)