Shemar Stewart, the imposing edge defender from Texas A&M, stands as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. At 6’5″ and 281 pounds, Stewart possesses a prototypical frame for an NFL defensive end, combining exceptional size with impressive athleticism.
Physical Attributes
Stewart’s physical measurements are truly elite. His 34¼” arms and 83½” wingspan give him a significant advantage at the point of attack. His performance at the NFL Combine was nothing short of spectacular, posting a projected Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 10.00, which would place him among only 18 players in history to achieve such a score.
At the Combine, Stewart showcased his freakish athleticism:
- Broad jump: 10’11” (1st among DL, 5th all-time for DEs)
- Vertical leap: 40 inches (2nd among DL)
- 40-yard dash: 4.59 seconds (fastest among prospects over 260 lbs)
- 10-yard split: 1.58 seconds (tied for 1st among DL)
These numbers underscore Stewart’s explosive power and speed, especially impressive given his size.
Read More: Are Any Senior Bowl Edge Rushers Future Packers?
Strengths
Stewart’s game is built on his exceptional physical traits and raw power. He demonstrates great strength at the point of attack, using his long arms to establish leverage against offensive tackles. His ability to sink his hips and maintain lower body strength makes him difficult to move in the run game.
As a pass-rusher, Stewart’s speed-to-power conversion is elite. He can put offensive tackles on their heels when turning speed into bull-rush power. His quick get-off and acceleration for his size allow him to fire into the backfield, creating immediate pressure.
Stewart’s versatility is another significant asset. He has shown the ability to play both inside and outside along the defensive line, thanks to his size and play strength. This positional flexibility will be highly valued by NFL teams looking to create mismatches and adapt to different offensive schemes.
Areas for Improvement
Despite his impressive physical tools, Stewart’s college production was underwhelming, with only 4.5 sacks over three seasons. This lack of statistical output is a major concern for NFL scouts and will need to be addressed.
Stewart’s pass-rush arsenal is currently limited, relying heavily on his physical attributes rather than refined technique. His hand usage as a pass-rusher needs significant improvement, as he often appears late and inaccurate with his strikes. Developing a more diverse set of pass-rush moves will be crucial for his success at the next level.
There are also concerns about Stewart’s ability to bend and corner at the top of his rush due to some stiffness in his lower half. Improving his flexibility and refining his pass-rush plan will be key areas of focus as he transitions to the NFL.
NFL Projection
Stewart’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him an enticing prospect for NFL teams. He projects as a starting 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 defensive end at the next level. His immediate impact will likely come as a two-down defender, with the potential to develop into a complete player as his pass-rushing skills improve.
While his lack of college production is concerning, many scouts believe Stewart has the potential to be a better pro than college player. His physical traits and combine performance have solidified his status as a likely first-round pick, with some projections placing him in the top 15.
Conclusion
Shemar Stewart represents a high-risk, high-reward prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. His exceptional physical attributes and combine performance have scouts salivating over his potential. However, his lack of college production and need for technical refinement make him a project at the next level.
NFL teams will need to weigh Stewart’s immense upside against the risk of drafting a player whose on-field production has yet to match his physical gifts. With proper coaching and development, Stewart has the potential to become an impact player in the NFL, capable of disrupting both the run and pass game from multiple positions along the defensive line.
Stewart’s draft stock appears to be on the rise following his combine performance While he may have entered the draft process as a late first-round projection, his exceptional testing numbers could see him selected much earlier. Teams in need of a versatile defensive lineman with elite physical traits will likely have Stewart high on their draft boards, making him one of the most fascinating prospects to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft.
