Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart is one of a kind. At 6-foot-5 and 281 pounds, his rare combination of size, speed, and explosiveness is something unique even in today’s game where herculean athletes pop up every draft class. One of the most physically imposing and gifted defenders in college football, his unique traits and production have NFL scouts salivating, especially after his first two days of work here at the Senior Bowl.
This cat isn’t getting out of the top 20 picks… pic.twitter.com/CMp6V4J6vv
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 29, 2025
At his size, Stewart’s rare physical profile immediately catches the eye. His explosiveness off the ball has been a consistent talking point among scouts for months, but his ability to run the arc and flatten at 281 pounds showcases a skill set that can, and has, overwhelmed offensive tackles both during his time at Texas A&M and this week. His ability to convert speed to power has been a highlight as well. Tackles struggle enough to counter his first step, but then asking players to anchor against a long arm or bull rush can often leave opponents grasping at air.
Day two provided perhaps Stewart’s most impressive moment of the week so far, forcing a strip sack. A play that perfectly encapsulated his game-breaking potential, Stewart exploded off the snap, bent around the edge and away from OT Emery Jones Jr. (LSU), timing his swipe perfectly to knock the ball loose from QB Seth Henigan (Memphis). It was a keen reminder of his ability to not only create pressure but turnovers—a trait that teams highly value in an edge defender.
Entering the week, Stewart had already generated buzz as a potential top-20 pick. However, his performance through the first two days of practices has not only validated the hype but also raised the possibility of him continuing to rise into the low teens as the pre-draft process churns along. His combination of size and athleticism makes him a highly coveted prospect in a class loaded with edge-rushing talent. In a league where teams are constantly searching for difference-makers in the trenches, Stewart’s ability to impact the game in a variety of facets should see his game prioritized early by NFL organizations in need of juice up front.
