Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart thought he was going elsewhere during the 2025 NFL draft.
Let Stewart tell it, he thought that based on his pre-draft journey, he might wind up as a member of Jerry Jones’ Dallas Cowboys.
Obviously, that didn’t happen and Stewart was left a little surprised when the Cowboys instead went with Alabama guard Tyler Booker at No. 12 overall.
Not that Stewart had to wait much longer. He sat out a few more picks, then had his name called by the Bengals at No. 17, where he was more than happy to end up.
“No. When Dallas picked Tyler, I was very happy for him. That’s my dog,” Stewart said. “I’ve known him since high school. I’m not a hater. Kudos. I’m happy for him and excited. It was just a shock, I was like, ‘OK, I think this is where I’m going, for sure.’ But everything happens for a reason, and I feel like God put me here for a reason.”
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Since joining the Bengals, Stewart has stressed how excited he is to learn under Trey Hendrickson while otherwise playing a part in a deep rotation for a defense undergoing a youth movement where he is now a centerpiece.
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This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ first-round pick thought Dallas Cowboys would draft him