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NFL Draft 2018: Two Noles selected in the fourth round

By Kelvin Hunt

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Josh Sweat #9 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide during their game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Josh Sweat #9 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide during their game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Two former FSU players heard their name called Saturday during the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

FSU football had already had two players selected during the NFL Draft the first two days.

However, two more were selected Saturday when Rick Leonard and Josh Sweat heard their names called.

In what was a bit of a surprise offensive lineman Rick Leonard was selected with the No. 127 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints.

A couple of picks later defensive end Josh Sweat heard his name called with the No. 130 overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Leonard was projected to be drafted in the seventh round or go as an undrafted free agent after only playing on the offensive line the past two years at FSU. He originally was a defensive end before making the transition his junior year and earning the starting nod.

Josh Sweat is a player with first round talent as evident with his performance at the NFL Combine.

The thing that concerned most teams was the knee injury he suffered in high school that almost ended his career before it got started. Teams were leary despite him starting all three years at FSU and improving his production each year.

Thoughts

I’m extremely surprised Rick Leonard went before Josh Sweat and I think most would fit in that boat. However, as they always say, all it takes is for one team to fall in love with a player.

That’s great for Rick Leonard as he was always a hard worker and should make the most of his opportunity.

Josh Sweat was in a tricky position.  Some may say he could have come back for his senior season, but who’s to say he wouldn’t get injured or not fit into what FSU’s new defensive coordinator’s scheme?

I think he would have for what it’s worth, but he couldn’t have had a better performance at the NFL Combine.

Next: 3 Reasons Josh Sweat Should Have Been Drafted In The First Round

The good news is he’ll be able to get paid and get to that second NFL contract quicker should he be productive the next few years in Philadelphia.

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