What draft experts said about new Bengals DL Shemar Stewart

The Cincinnati Bengals earned a variety of grades and reactions by selecting Shemar Stewart with the No. 17 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Similarly, what draft experts and scouts had to say about Stewart even before the NFL draft itself is just as mixed.

A brief consensus? Stewart has some wild, wild athletic upside the Bengals could unlock to help the pick look like a steal in hindsight. But his college production was low and it’s at least partially due to what he was asked to do. If nothing else, he can help the unit in specific roles right away.

Here’s what some experts had to say about Stewart.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

“A one-year starter at Texas A&M, Stewart lined up primarily as an edge rusher in head coach Mike Elko’s four-man front, also spending time head-up over the tackle and inside over the B-gap. He is the type of prospect who will test the “traits over production” slogan that NFL teams subscribe to, as he never had more than 1.5 sacks in any of his three seasons in College Station. However, his tape shows a far more disruptive player — he led the Aggies in pressures (39) in 2024.”

“Stewart explodes out of his stance and is capable of creating immediate knockback or winning high-side with upfield burst/flexibility. His counter measures require maintenance, although he finds a lot of success based on his initial swipe or long-arm move. The No. 1 area in which he needs to improve is as a finisher. He has the athleticism to get to the ball but has no business missing as many tackles as he does, especially given his power and movements. Overall, Stewart needs to mature his rush efficiency and finishing skills, but he has a rare combination of talent and motor to be a game-wrecker against both the pass and the run. His best football is ahead of him.”

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

“Stewart is carved from granite, possessing a rare blend of traits, explosiveness and untapped upside. He’s long and sudden off the snap but hasn’t learned to weaponize his hands to control the point of attack and bypass protection with go-to moves. His bull-rush compresses the pocket off the edge, and he’s too athletic for guards when reduced inside. He can be very disruptive in both phases but requires additional training to start converting his opportunities into finishes. The lack of production relative to the traits is a concern; still, players who move like him are highly coveted. While the boom-or-bust label might be in play, it feels like a matter of time before it all starts to click at a high level.”

The Draft Network

“Despite his physical gifts, Stewart’s primary concern as a player is his lack of overall production. Over his three-year collegiate career, he has totaled just 4.5 sacks. This lack of production appears to stem from an underdeveloped pass-rushing plan. His projection to the NFL relies heavily on a team recognizing his raw physical tools and dedicating time to refining his technique, strategy, and consistency as a pass rusher.“

“Overall, Stewart is a rare athlete with an exceptional combination of size and athleticism. With proper coaching and development, he has the potential to transform into a premier pass rusher at the NFL level. His physical tools provide a solid foundation, and his ceiling is among the highest of players entering the league.“

Bleacher Report Scouting Department

“Stewart can contribute immediately as a two-down defender and could grow into a complete player. However, as his underwhelming sack production suggests, he will take some time to develop as a pass-rusher.”

“Schematically, teams could differ on the Texas A&M product’s best position as he falls into the fringe EDGE/DL category. Some clubs could want to play him as an even front defensive end, while others see him as more of an interior player.”

33rd Team

“Shemar Stewart projects as a developmental impact starter at the NFL level. With his current prowess as a run defender and gap control player, he affords a team an immediate role with a seemingly immeasurable ceiling if he grows as a pass rusher.”

“Because he can defend the run, he should be considered a viable Day 1 starter, particularly as a 5-tech end who plays overtop of tackles and utilizes his length to stack the point of attack.”

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 2025 NFL draft: What experts said about new Bengals DL Shemar Stewart

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