Top defensive line prospect arrested for DWI ahead of NFL draft

A top prospect at a position of need for the Detroit Lions has hit a speed bump ahead of the NFL draft.

According to ESPN, former Texas defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat was arrested for driving while intoxicated on April 7.

The 22-year-old was the 2023 Big 12 defensive player of the year and Outland Trophy winner, which is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football.

Sweat is considered a consensus top 5 defensive lineman and had been linked to the Lions in several mock drafts including those published by The Athletic and AtoZ Sports. Other mocks have the Lions taking some of Sweat’s peers on the defensive line.

He faces a Class B misdemeanor, which in Texas carries a fine up to $2,000 and 180 days in jail.

ESPN reported that Austin police responded to a crash between an SUV and a sedan on I-35 at 4:41 a.m. Sweat, the driver of the SUV, was arrested for driving while intoxicated. He was released from jail after posting bond.

The 6-foot-4, 362-pound Sweat was a major factor in Texas making its first College Football Playoff last season. He had two sacks, eight tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and 45 total tackles.

His Texas teammate Byron Murphy, Florida State’s Braden Fiske, Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton and Michigan’s Kris Jenkins are other top options at the position, according to the Mock Draft Database. police