Shemar Stewart of the Texas A&M Aggies is selected in the NFC South in the latest mock draft.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many college players are vying for the chance to make an impact at the next level. One name that continues to surface in mock drafts is Shemar Stewart, the talented defensive lineman from the Texas A&M Aggies. Known for his imposing size, athleticism, and disruptive presence on the field, Stewart has garnered significant attention as one of the top prospects available in the draft.

In the latest mock draft projections, Stewart has been selected by a team in the NFC South, one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL. This article will explore Shemar Stewart’s journey from Texas A&M to the NFL, why he is an appealing draft prospect, and what his potential impact could be in the NFC South. We’ll also delve into the specific teams within the NFC South and how Stewart fits into their plans as they look to improve their defensive lines.

Shemar Stewart’s College Career at Texas A&M

Shemar Stewart’s time at Texas A&M has been marked by significant growth, both as a player and as a leader on the Aggies’ defense. A highly sought-after recruit out of Miami, Florida, Stewart arrived at A&M with immense expectations. Standing at 6’5” and weighing in at around 300 pounds, Stewart possesses the size and strength to be a dominant force on the defensive line. His combination of power, agility, and quickness off the ball made him one of the top defensive recruits in the country.

In his time at Texas A&M, Stewart quickly made his presence felt, earning playing time as a freshman and becoming a key piece of the Aggies’ defensive front. He demonstrated an ability to shed blocks, generate interior pressure on the quarterback, and stop the run—all skills that translate well to the next level. Over the course of his college career, Stewart honed his technique, developed his pass-rushing skills, and became one of the premier defensive tackles in the SEC, a conference known for its tough competition and high-level talent.

By his junior year, Stewart was widely regarded as one of the best defensive linemen in college football. He had the ability to collapse the pocket from the interior, disrupt running plays in the backfield, and consistently win one-on-one matchups against offensive linemen. His ability to dominate in both run defense and pass-rushing situations made him a highly coveted player in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Stewart’s success at Texas A&M was not just a product of his physical tools but also his mindset and work ethic. He worked tirelessly to refine his technique, improve his hand placement, and develop a diverse pass-rush arsenal. His maturity and leadership qualities were also evident, as he became a key figure in the Aggies’ defense, guiding younger players and instilling a winning culture within the program.

Why Shemar Stewart is a Top Draft Prospect

Shemar Stewart’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism is what has propelled him into the conversation as a top NFL prospect. At 6’5″ and 300 pounds, he has the ideal frame to play as a defensive tackle or a 3-4 defensive end at the next level. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and ability to accelerate toward the quarterback make him an ideal fit for multiple defensive schemes, whether it’s a 4-3 defense where he plays as a defensive tackle or a 3-4 defense where he can stand up as an edge rusher or play inside.

What sets Stewart apart from many other defensive line prospects is his versatility. He is capable of impacting both the run and pass game, and his skill set allows him to contribute in various ways. Against the run, Stewart is difficult to move off the ball due to his strength and low pad level. He can clog up running lanes, disrupt offensive schemes, and force running backs to make cuts earlier than they’d like.

In terms of rushing the passer, Stewart has a quick first step and uses his hands effectively to disengage from blockers. He has the ability to generate pressure from the interior, which is a highly coveted skill in today’s NFL, where quarterbacks often have a pocket built around them. Stewart’s ability to pressure the quarterback from the middle of the line allows him to affect the entire passing game, as he can disrupt a quarterback’s rhythm even when coming from the inside.

Moreover, Stewart’s work ethic and mental toughness make him an ideal candidate for the NFL. He has been praised for his discipline, determination, and understanding of the game. These intangible qualities make him a solid pick for any team looking to add a reliable, high-impact player to their defensive front.

The NFC South: A Competitive Division for Defensive Playmakers

The NFC South has become one of the more interesting divisions in the NFL, with each team experiencing its own successes and challenges. For Shemar Stewart, being selected by a team within this division offers exciting opportunities, but also challenges as the competition within the division has been consistently strong, particularly on offense. Let’s break down the teams in the NFC South and how Stewart could fit into their defensive strategies.

Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are one of the teams within the NFC South that could greatly benefit from adding a player like Shemar Stewart to their defensive line. The Falcons have invested heavily in their offense in recent years, but their defense has been inconsistent, particularly in terms of generating pressure on the quarterback. Atlanta has a solid foundation in the secondary but lacks a true difference-maker on the defensive line.

Stewart would be a welcome addition to the Falcons’ front seven, offering both size and explosiveness. His ability to disrupt the pocket and defend the run would make a significant impact on Atlanta’s defense, allowing them to become more well-rounded. His versatility in rushing the passer from the interior of the line could help the Falcons counter some of the elite quarterbacks in the NFC South, such as Tom Brady (if he is still in the division), and Jameis Winston.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have also struggled with consistency on the defensive line in recent seasons. While they have talented players like Derrick Brown and Brian Burns, Stewart could provide an additional interior presence that the Panthers’ defense needs. Carolina’s defense has been hit or miss in terms of pressuring the quarterback, and adding a player like Stewart could elevate their defense to the next level.

If Stewart were to join the Panthers, he would complement Brown on the interior of the defensive line, giving Carolina a formidable duo that could disrupt the run and pass game. The Panthers’ defense has potential, but they lack an elite defensive tackle who can command attention from offensive lines. Stewart would give them the ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, and his quickness and power would make him a valuable asset in head coach Frank Reich’s defensive schemes.

New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints are another NFC South team that could benefit from Stewart’s talents. The Saints’ defense has been solid in recent years, but they have also dealt with some inconsistencies, particularly in terms of pass rush. While they have standout players like Cameron Jordan, the addition of a player like Stewart could provide a much-needed boost to their interior pass rush.

If Stewart were to land with the Saints, he could form a formidable partnership with Jordan, creating a devastating one-two punch on the defensive line. Stewart’s ability to push the pocket from the inside would complement Jordan’s edge-rushing abilities, making it difficult for opposing quarterbacks to escape pressure. The Saints’ defense has historically been built on strong defensive lines, and Stewart could be the piece that solidifies them as one of the top units in the NFC South.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Finally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be another team in the NFC South that would benefit from adding Shemar Stewart. Tampa Bay has had its fair share of defensive line success in recent years, particularly during their Super Bowl run. However, with some key players aging or departing, the Buccaneers are in need of a younger, more dynamic force on the defensive line.

Stewart would add youth, power, and versatility to a defensive line that is already solid but could use a playmaker on the interior. His ability to stop the run and rush the passer would complement the edge-rushing talent of players like Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul. With Tom Brady’s future uncertain, the Buccaneers will need a strong defense to remain competitive, and Stewart could be a key piece in that effort.