Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart is one of a kind. At 6-foot-6 and 290 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 as they prepare to get live looks at him during the upcoming Senior Bowl in just a few short weeks.
What makes Stewart so intriguing is his unparalleled blend of power and athleticism at his size. He moves like a man of much smaller stature, as in, like a man that weighs 60 or 70 pounds lighter. Pass rushers of his size typically win with brute strength and leverage, but Stewart brings an added element of explosiveness rarely seen in players with his frame.
His first step is elite, his size and strength can push opponents on their backside, and his ability to transition from speed to power allows him to collapse the pocket with ease against varying body types both within the interior and outside. Stewart’s bend and flexibility are also excellent for his size. With an ability to dip his shoulder and turn the corner that’s typically seen in players much lighter, this, combined with spring-loaded hands and a relentless motor, makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.
Another key factor in Stewart’s rise over the last few months is his projectability up and down a defensive front at the NFL level. He’s equally adept at playing as a traditional even front defensive end, or kicking inside in sub-packages to rush from the interior. Texas A&M often deployed him in different alignments, and while his numbers didn’t jump off the screen like other defenders in the class, his scheme flexibility will hold weight for NFL teams looking for an athlete who can create mismatches across the line.
In addition to his pass-rushing prowess and elite projectability, Stewart has proven to be an effective run defender. His length allows him to set the edge and disengage from blocks, while his lateral quickness enables him to chase down plays from the backside. Again, at 290 or so pounds.
High level stuff from Shemar Stewart (4) aligned at the 0.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) September 14, 2024
That’s 6’6” 290 working out to the flats in the screen game. pic.twitter.com/v2GJfMXITu
While Stewart’s tape speaks for itself, his performance at the upcoming Senior Bowl will be critical in solidifying his status within a loaded talent pool along the defensive front. For teams, live evaluations are invaluable, and the showcase in Mobile is often the only time teams’ general managers and head coaches can see players compete live before turning in their cards in April.
Stewart’s rise in the 2025 NFL Draft class hasn’t been a fluke. With a rare blend of explosiveness, size, and versatility, his profile paints the picture of a potential core contributor for an NFL defense. With the Senior Bowl in Mobile looming, Stewart will enter the week with as large an opportunity as any player in attendance to cement himself as one of the premier prospects, regardless of position, in the entire 2025 class.
