ProFootballCentral.com

At 6-3, Texas Longhorn wide receiver Limas Sweed is a top 5 prospect in the receiver draft class heading into the 2008 draft. Every single draft “guru” is already comparing Sweed to Texas Alum Roy Williams. The comparison to Williams may be a little too early but Sweed is definitely a great prospect heading into this draft. At 6-foot-5, Sweed was often a mismatch for cornerbacks and a big target for Texas quarterbacks. He averaged 33.3 yards on his touchdown catches, none bigger than his late-game catch in the end zone at Ohio State in 2005, a key victory in Texas’ march to the national championship that season.

Sweed started his collegiate career in 2003 as a redshirt freshman which Sweed as said was essential due to watching and learning from players like Roy Williams. Sweed started seven games in 2004 with 23 receptions and for 263 yards. One stat definitely jumped out in 2004 and that was the 11.4 yards per catch.

As a sophomore in 2005 he started all 13 games and was named honorable mention All-Big 12 by The Associated Press. Sweed finished second on the team with 36 pass receptions for 545 yards and five touchdowns that year. He filled in nicely for Roy Williams after he left for the NFL and Texas didn’t miss a beat. Further proof that Sweed is a big time gamer, he recorded eight receptions (career high) for 65 yards in Texas’ 41-38 victory over Southern California on their way to winning a National Championship. When Vince Young left Texas a big question loomed at Texas and that was how good Sweed would be without Vince Young?
With the team opening up its passing attack in 2006, Sweed paced the Longhorns with 46 catches for 801 yards (17.4 avg) and 12 touchdowns, setting a school record with at least one scoring grab in seven consecutive games. The All-Big 12 Conference first-team pick also gained 5 yards on a rushing attempt and scored 72 points.

In the summer prior to the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season, Sweed injured his wrist but was cleared to play in the season opener for the 2007 Texas Longhorn football team.  In and out of the lineup due to his wrist injury, he managed just 306 yards on 19 catches (16.1 avg), scoring three times. He also carried once for a 1-yard loss. In the sixth game of the season, the 2007 Red River Shootout, he left the game early because he re-injured his left wrist which put an end to his season. He underwent successful surgery and reports are that he is almost 100% and that he will be ready for training camp. In 43 games at Texas, Sweed started his last 39 contests. He was credited with 124 catches for 1,915 yards (15.4 avg) and 20 touchdowns. He scored 120 points while gaining 4 yards on two carries and recording three solo tackles .Sweed was a candidate for the Biletnikoff Award and the Maxwell Award in 2007.

Looking at Sweed’s collegiate career like every player there are strength and there are flaws. As far as his flaws, NFL scouts are definitely worried about the wrist and how strong it will be once he is 100% medically cleared.  A lot of scouts are also worried about his explosiveness and the fact that he may have a huge problem separating himself from pro corners. Despite the negatives, Sweed has plenty of strengths such as his excellent size and his long arms. Sweed has excellent body control and great ball skills and does a great job with jumping for the ball. Another strength that hasn’t gotten a lot of press would be the fact that he isnt afraid to run in the middle and catch the ball with no fear. To sum it up, Sweed is a flat out hard working playmaker and is going to be an immediate leader on any team that drafts him.