With the 17th overall pick (1st round) of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select DE Shemar Stewart.
Stewart addresses a pass rushing need that the Bengals had. He is loaded with traits, but his technique hasn’t been there up to this point. Developmental guy, to an extent, but high upside.
The Bengals took him over other players I had rated higher, including Mike Green and James Pearce. Stewart was my 6th rated DE in the draft.
Below is my scouting report on Stewart from my DE rankings that were posted earlier in the draft process:
Shemar Stewart
School: Texas A&M
Ht/Wt: 6’5”, 267 lbs
Strengths:
Stewart is a player who comes with a nice blend of traits. He has the size and strength to not get pushed around, and also enough athleticism to make OT’s nervous defending the edge. At this point, his bull rush is probably the most consistent/effective part of his pass rush. He is decently consistent when it comes to generating push, and things can become uncomfortable for the QB as the pocket collapses. Stewart has a high motor, and this especially helps him defend the run. He uses his strength to get off blocks, and can then explode into the gap to blow a play up, or hunt the ball carrier down from behind. Athletically, he has good burst and a good get-off. This combines nicely with his strength, as he is able to convert speed into power to push back his opponent. He isn’t the bendiest player in the class, but it is good enough to help him get around the edge when he is attempting to win with speed.
Weaknesses:
Stewart will be entering the NFL as a very raw prospect. He has the tools to become a great player, but his lack of production at the college level is concerning. That is not to say he was invisible–his traits made him stand out often. But technical refinement is what often takes the flashes and turns them into finished plays. Right now, his physical traits are what he relies on. Usually it is his power move, with simple speed rushes also being mixed in. He does attempt to win with some rush moves, but they have not been effective, and he will need coaching to improve in this area. His hand timing and placement both were sub-par, and failed to pose much of a threat to his opponent. As well, there were often times where his pad level would rise too high, making it easier for the OT to land a hand strike, and throw off his attack.
Summary:
Stewart’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism will make him an intriguing opinion in the draft. However, as high as his ceiling may be, he is a long way from reaching it. Physical traits are currently his only method of victory, making his game very simplistic. His hand technique needs a lot of work, and he’ll need to fill his toolbox with more than just speed and bull rushes. With these deficiencies, his lack of production isn’t too surprising, as predictable players are easier to stop. Despite them, I don’t mind his floor. He has the strength to be an asset against the run, and his combination of athleticism and power should still allow him to push the pocket. At worst, he should be a good rotational lineman. But for the traits and upside he possesses, this outcome would be disappointing. There is some risk in drafting an unrefined player, and his drafting team will be tasked with getting the most out of him. There is a risk/reward element here. Some teams may be scared away, while others might be more willing to take a shot.
| Grade: 80.2 | Round Grade: 2nd |
The Bengals will be hoping that Stewart can progress quickly in his development, as he will be counted on to help revitalize a pass rushing unit that was largely invisible in 2024, outside of Trey Hendrickson.
Thumbnail Image Via: Erik Drost (CC)