Former Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart entered the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis as a consensus late first or early second round pick in the 2025 draft. After a dominant performance in the athletic testing, he leaves the week having significantly improved his stock.
After meeting with teams over the early portion of the week, the 6-foot-5, 267-pound edge defender put on a show during on-field workouts. Competing alongside fellow edge rushers, Stewart delivered a jaw-dropping performance in the broad jump, vertical jump, and 40-yard dash. He recorded a 10-foot-11 broad jump, the best among edge rushers, while his 40-inch vertical jump ranked second. Additionally, he clocked a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, the fourth-best time in his position group. Stewart’s explosiveness was on full display, and his elite athletic profile is now undeniable. According to Kent Lee Platte, the creator of the “Relative Athletic Score” metric, Stewart unofficially put up a perfect 10.00 RAS, placing him in elite company alongside generational athletes like Myles Garrett.
Despite his lack of production over three seasons with the Aggies, where he recorded just 4.5 sacks and 65 total tackles, his combine performance will have NFL teams reconsidering his potential. Once projected as a top-50 pick, Stewart has now skyrocketed into first-round conversations, becoming one of the most coveted athletes in the draft. The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is set for April 25, and Stewart is now a legitimate candidate to hear his name called early on opening night. He has a chance to go as high as the 9th overall pick to the New Orleans Saints, though he is more likely to land in the middle of the first round, with teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at pick 17 being an ideal fit for his skill set.
His physical tools are undeniable. Running a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at 267 pounds with a 1.58-second ten-yard split, Stewart demonstrated rare movement skills for his size. His 40-inch vertical and 10-foot-11 broad jump further solidified his standing as one of the most explosive players in this year’s draft class.
Stewart’s bend and flexibility for a player of his frame are exceptional. He shows the ability to dip his shoulder and flatten to the quarterback at difficult angles, something only elite pass rushers can consistently do. His speed-to-power conversion is another standout trait, as he frequently walks tackles back into the pocket with a devastating bull rush. Additionally, his lateral agility when executing stunts and twists is remarkable, allowing him to be a disruptive force from multiple alignments.
As a run defender, Stewart sets a physical edge, using his length and power to control blockers while maintaining gap discipline. He plays with a relentless motor, often making second-effort plays and chasing down ball carriers from the backside with impressive closing speed. His ability to adapt on the fly and counter offensive line adjustments mid-game is another positive sign of his football intelligence.
While his production at Texas A&M was underwhelming, Stewart’s athleticism and tools suggest he has immense upside at the next level. His 12.4% pass rush win rate was not elite but was still better than some other top prospects like Mykel Williams and Landon Jackson. He remains a developmental prospect, but given the right coaching and refinement, he has the potential to become a premier pass rusher in the league.
With his combination of size, athleticism, and potential, Stewart has firmly secured a first round projection. Teams searching for a high-upside edge rusher will have a hard time passing on him, and he could be a surprise pick in the top 10. However, the most likely scenario sees him landing in the middle of the first round with a team like the Arizona Cardinals or Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which I mentioned before. His athletic traits alone make him an enticing prospect, and the team that drafts him will be betting on his long-term ceiling as a disruptive force off the edge.
Photo Credits: NFL, Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report
