Shemar Stewart

Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M, DE, 6050, 267 lbs, Junior

Draft Profile

Overview

Shemar Stewart is a prototype defensive force tailor-made for aggressive 4-3 systems that emphasize attacking upfield. His explosive first step, validated by elite testing numbers at the combine—including a 4.59 forty at 267 pounds with a blazing 1.58 ten-yard split—makes him a natural fit as a wide-9 defensive end. Stewart’s ability to set a violent edge while maintaining the flexibility to slide inside on passing downs gives him the versatility to impact multiple phases of the game. Against the run, his ability to stack and shed blockers while maintaining gap discipline suggests immediate starting potential. While his pass-rushing toolkit remains underdeveloped, his speed-to-power conversion allows him to collapse pockets with alarming consistency, hinting at untapped potential. His rare bend and explosive lower-body traits—highlighted by a 40” vertical and a 10’11” broad jump—point to a ceiling as a dominant three-down defender once his hand usage catches up to his physical gifts. Despite generating 39 pressures in 2024, Stewart managed only two sacks, illustrating a player on the verge of putting it all together. While the athletic profile draws comparisons to Myles Garrett, the similarities largely end there. Garrett entered the draft with refined technique and dominant collegiate production, whereas Stewart remains raw, relying more on traits than polish. His flashes are enticing but inconsistent, making him a high-risk, high-reward prospect for teams debating whether to prioritize athletic upside over proven production. Stewart’s historic combine performance has propelled him into top-10 consideration, but the technical refinement required makes his projection uncertain—he could develop into a cornerstone edge rusher or serve as a cautionary tale for teams betting on traits over tape.

Background

A South Florida native, Stewart rose to prominence at Monsignor Pace High School, where his imposing size and explosive burst made him one of the nation’s most sought-after defensive prospects. As a five-star recruit and Under Armour All-American, he dominated Florida 4A competition, recording 48 tackles and 15 sacks as a sophomore. He had scholarship offers from nearly every major program before committing to Texas A&M, where he saw action in all 12 games with six starts as a true freshman. His development continued into his sophomore season, highlighted by a pick-six against Mississippi State, before earning Third-Team All-SEC honors as a junior, leading the Aggies in quarterback hurries while racking up 5.5 tackles for loss. Durability has been a strength, with Stewart appearing in 37 games across three seasons. While his career sack numbers are modest—just 4.5 total with 1.5 each season—his impact extends beyond raw statistics, as evidenced by his 39 pressures over 315 pass-rushing snaps in 2024. His disruptive presence, now combined with freakish athletic testing, has NFL scouts eager to unlock his full potential.

Scouting Report

Pros:

Stewart’s athletic profile is truly rare, as his 4.59 forty, 1.58 ten-yard split, 40” vertical, and 10’11” broad jump place him in elite territory among defensive linemen. His ability to bend and flatten at 267 pounds defies physics, allowing him to win around the edge with natural flexibility. He converts speed to power effectively, consistently walking offensive tackles backward with a crushing bull rush. His lateral agility makes him highly effective on stunts and twists, displaying movement skills that rival smaller pass rushers. Versatility is a key asset, as he has proven disruptive whether rushing from a hand-in-the-dirt stance or standing up. Against the run, Stewart sets a violent edge, using his powerful hands to disengage and maintain gap integrity. His high-energy motor shows up in backside pursuit, as he closes ground with relentless urgency. Additionally, Stewart processes plays quickly between reps, adjusting to offensive line tendencies and refining his approach as the game progresses.

Cons:

Despite his elite athleticism, Stewart’s production remains inconsistent, as his 4.5 career sacks raise concerns about his ability to finish plays. His pass-rushing plan is raw, relying too heavily on physical gifts rather than developed techniques, limiting his ability to counter when his initial move is stymied. Hand usage remains underdeveloped, often causing delays in engagement, which allows blockers to take control early in pass-rush situations. While he generates consistent disruption (39 pressures in 2024), his inability to convert pressures into sacks limits his overall impact. At times, Stewart’s pad level becomes erratic, particularly late in games when fatigue sets in, negating his natural leverage advantage and allowing blockers to dictate engagements.

Preseason Report

OVERVIEW

 A raw-but-talented edge defender with the physical tools to become a force at the next level. Stewart's blend of size, explosiveness, and power off the edge make him a moldable piece of clay for NFL defensive line coaches. His ability to play multiple positions along the front presents valuable scheme versatility for creative defensive coordinators. Despite his impressive physical attributes, Stewart remains a work in progress in terms of technique and consistency. His pass rush toolkit shows promise but needs expansion and refinement to consistently win against NFL-caliber tackles. In the run game, improved leverage and hand placement will be crucial for him to anchor effectively and make more impact plays. Stewart's ceiling is that of a disruptive every-down defensive end who can collapse the pocket and set a strong edge against the run. His floor, however, is that of a rotational player who flashes occasionally but struggles to put it all together consistently. The team that drafts Stewart will be betting on their ability to harness his considerable physical gifts and mold him into a more polished and productive defender.

BACKGROUND

Stewart, a defensive end/edge rusher from Texas A&M, arrived in College Station as a five-star prospect from Monsignor Pace High School in Florida. In 2022, Stewart played all 12 games as a freshman, starting six, and earned the defensive Top Newcomer award at the team banquet. Stewart's sophomore season saw him play all 13 games, including a start in the Texas Bowl against Oklahoma State. He tied for second on the team with six hurries and recorded his first career interception, returning it 43 yards for a touchdown against Mississippi State. His performance earned him the Defensive Most Improved award at the annual team banquet. In 2024, Stewart continued as a key component of the Aggies' defensive line, making two starts and contributing in games against Notre Dame and McNeese. Over three seasons, Stewart amassed 796 defensive snaps across 27 games in the SEC.

 ANALYSIS

  PROS

 Prototype build for the position with ideal length and a powerful frame, creating mismatches against most offensive tackles. Explosive get-off at the snap, consistently beating blockers to the punch and penetrating the backfield. Scheme-versatile defender with the ability to play multiple techniques along the defensive front. Heavy hands and long levers allow him to stack and shed effectively, maintaining outside leverage in run defense. Showcases a potent bull rush, converting speed to power and walking tackles back into the pocket. Flashes an expanding toolbox of pass rush moves, indicating potential for further development as a pocket disruptor. Iron man durability, suiting up for every game throughout his collegiate career. Motor runs hot, displaying relentless pursuit and second-effort plays when unblocked.

 CONS

 Anchor in run defense needs bolstering, occasionally getting displaced by double teams or down blocks. Finishing ability as a tackler is inconsistent, leading to missed opportunities in the backfield. Pass rush plan can be one-dimensional, relying too heavily on physical dominance rather than technique. Counter moves are underdeveloped, limiting effectiveness when initial rush is stymied. Hand usage in pass rush can be improved, particularly in terms of timing and placement to defeat blocks more efficiently.

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HISTORY -- From college bio

2024 All-SEC Third Team
2022 SEC All-Freshman Team 

2024 (JUNIOR): Has started all 12 games at defensive end ... Had a tackle and a hurry against Notre Dame and McNeese ... Led the team with five tackles and was in on a sack for a 7-yard loss in the win at Florida ... Had two tackles, including a solo sack for a 9-yard loss in the win over Bowling Green ... Made four tackles, adding a hurry and a forced fumble in the win over Arkansas ... Made four tackles in the win over Missouri ... Had five tackles and two breakups at South Carolina ... Made two tackles against New Mexico State ... Tallied five tackles, 1.0 for loss, against Texas. 

2023 (SOPHOMORE): Played in all 13 games, making the start in the Texas Bowl against Oklahoma State ... Was tied for second on the team with six hurries on the year ... Broke up a pass in the season-opening win over New Mexico ... Had a solo sack for a 4-yard loss at Miami ... Was in on two tackles, including a sack in the win over Auburn ... Had three tackles and a hurry at Ole Miss ... Picked of a pass and returned it 43 yards to the house for his first career touchdown in the win over Mississippi State ... Had two hurries in the Texas Bowl ... Earned the Defensive Most Improved award at the annual team banquet. 

2022 (FRESHMAN): Played in all 12 games, making six starts ... Was in on a sack and had two hurries against Sam Houston in his collegiate debut ... Tallied five tackles in the win over Miami ... Made four tackles, including a solo sack for a 5-yard loss, against Arkansas ... Finished the Alabama game with a hurry, fumble recovery and two tackles ... Had two solo takedowns at South Carolina ... Earned the defensive Top Newcomer award at the annual team banquet. 

HIGH SCHOOL: Coached by Brandon Marquez at Monsignor Pace High School ... Rated as a 5-star prospect by 247 Sports and Rivals and 4-star recruit by Rivals ... Was a 2022 Under Armour All-American ... As a sophomore, helped Monsignor Pace reach Florida 4A regional quarterfinals as he totaled 48 tackles and 15.0 sacks ... A two-sport athlete that played basketball in addition to football.