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

As college football fans eagerly anticipate the 2025 NFL Draft, one of the players generating significant buzz is Shemar Stewart, a standout defensive lineman for the Texas A&M Aggies. Stewart has been an incredibly disruptive force on the field since his arrival at Texas A&M, and now, with the latest mock drafts beginning to take shape, his name is being linked with an NFC South team. According to recent mock drafts, Stewart is projected to be selected in the first round, which would make him one of the highest-drafted players in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The NFC South has seen a bit of a shakeup in recent years, with teams like the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all striving for improved rosters and playoff contention. Each of these teams, while carrying their own needs on both sides of the ball, will be keeping a close eye on the top prospects to fill those voids.

Stewart’s potential selection in the NFC South represents a monumental opportunity for both the player and the franchise that drafts him. With his remarkable talent, size, and potential, Stewart’s role in the NFL could have a far-reaching impact. This article will explore Shemar Stewart’s college career, his strengths and weaknesses, why he’s being linked to an NFC South team, and what his selection could mean for both him and the future of the team that drafts him.

Shemar Stewart: A Defensive Force for the Aggies

Shemar Stewart has been an absolute force for the Texas A&M Aggies since stepping onto the field. Hailing from Opa-locka, Florida, Stewart was a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school. His commitment to Texas A&M was a significant win for the program, as he was ranked as one of the top defensive line prospects in the country. He quickly proved that he belonged in the SEC with his size, strength, and athleticism.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at around 310 pounds, Stewart has the ideal frame to play along the defensive line at the next level. His combination of size, strength, and agility allows him to play multiple positions across the defensive front, from defensive tackle to defensive end, depending on the defensive scheme he’s in. Whether he’s plugging gaps in the run game or rushing the passer, Stewart has shown the ability to be an elite defender on the field.

Throughout his time at Texas A&M, Stewart has consistently impressed both coaches and analysts with his ability to be disruptive at the line of scrimmage. He has the quickness to get off the ball and the power to disengage from blockers, making him an incredibly versatile player. His ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and take up space in the middle of the defense gives him a skill set that NFL teams value highly, especially in the NFC South, where teams typically rely on powerful offensive lines and strong rushing attacks.

During his tenure with the Aggies, Stewart consistently found himself in opposing backfields, racking up tackles for loss and quarterback pressures. He was often able to get penetration into the pocket, disrupting passing plays before they could fully develop. His motor never slowed down, making him a constant threat in the middle of the defensive line. As a result, Stewart earned a reputation as one of the top defensive linemen in college football.

Why Shemar Stewart is Being Linked to an NFC South Team

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many mock drafts have been linking Shemar Stewart to one of the NFC South teams. But why is he being considered such a high-value prospect, and which NFC South team is the most likely to select him? There are several reasons why Stewart’s talents align perfectly with the needs of these teams, and why he may be a key figure in their future.

1. Defensive Line Needs in the NFC South

The NFC South is a division that has seen its fair share of changes and rebuilding over the past few years. Teams in this division often rely heavily on their defensive lines to control the game, especially when it comes to stopping the run and generating pressure on the quarterback. Stewart’s ability to play both the run and the pass makes him a perfect fit for the NFC South, where the competition is fierce and high-powered offenses are common.

• New Orleans Saints: The Saints have a solid defense but have struggled to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With a strong defensive line already in place but room for improvement, selecting Stewart would give the Saints another powerful piece for their defensive front. His versatility would allow him to line up in multiple spots along the line, which is crucial for a defense that likes to rotate players and create mismatches.
• Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have been in rebuilding mode for a few years and have been actively addressing their defensive issues. Their defensive line has been one of the weakest points on the roster, and Stewart could be the missing piece to bolster their defensive front. A strong defensive line is crucial for any team looking to compete in the NFC South, and adding a player of Stewart’s caliber could help the Falcons become much more competitive in the division.
• Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have focused on their defense in recent drafts, but they still need an upgrade to make their defense a top unit in the league. A player like Stewart would provide instant help as a run stopper and pass rusher, giving the Panthers a more balanced defensive attack. With strong play on the line of scrimmage, the Panthers could become a much more formidable team in the division.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers have had one of the strongest defensive fronts in recent years, but they are getting older and need to reload. The defensive tackle position is one of the spots where they could use an upgrade. Adding Stewart to their defensive line would inject youth and energy into the unit, allowing them to remain a competitive force in the NFC South.

Each of these teams, while in different stages of their respective rebuilds, shares one thing in common: the need for a dominant defensive lineman to impact both the run and the pass. Stewart fits this role perfectly, and his ability to make an immediate impact on any of these teams would go a long way toward improving their defensive units.

2. Stewart’s Ability to Play Multiple Roles

One of the primary reasons Shemar Stewart is being linked to an NFC South team is his versatility on the defensive line. He has the ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end, making him an ideal fit for multiple defensive schemes. The NFC South is known for teams that like to mix up their fronts and create confusion for opposing offenses. Stewart’s ability to excel in multiple alignments means he could be deployed in various ways, depending on the team that selects him.

Whether he’s lining up as a three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense or as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, Stewart can make a significant impact. His size and athleticism allow him to be effective in different positions, making him a valuable piece for any team looking to add a versatile defensive lineman who can both rush the passer and control the line of scrimmage.

3. Defensive Line Depth in the NFC South

Another key factor in Stewart’s appeal to NFC South teams is the overall depth of the defensive line position in the division. In the NFL, it’s no longer enough to just have one or two strong players on the defensive front. Teams need a rotation of players who can keep fresh legs on the field and create pressure consistently. Stewart’s ability to be an every-down player gives him an advantage in the NFL, where depth is often the key to success.

For teams in the NFC South, adding a player like Stewart would provide the defensive line with another talented piece, allowing coaches to rotate players effectively throughout the game. Whether it’s against the powerful running backs of the division or the high-flying quarterbacks in the NFC South, Stewart’s presence would make it easier for teams to execute their defensive game plans.

What Does the Future Hold for Shemar Stewart?

Shemar Stewart’s future in the NFL is incredibly bright, and his selection in the 2025 NFL Draft—especially if he is drafted in the first round by an NFC South team—will be a significant milestone in his career. His ability to adapt to various defensive schemes, his natural ability to dominate in the trenches, and his relentless work ethic make him a top-tier prospect for teams looking to strengthen their defensive line.

For Stewart, the journey from College Station to the NFL will be an exciting one. His experience playing in the SEC, where he faced some of the toughest competition in college football, has prepared him for the challenges of the NFL. In the coming years, he has the potential to be one of the premier defensive linemen in the league, and whichever NFC South team selects him will be gaining a player capable of making an immediate impact.