Discussion of Draft Analysts Aggies of Texas A&M DE The Worth of Shemar Stewart

In the realm of college football, few positions are as coveted in the NFL draft as the defensive end (DE). These players are the backbone of a team’s defensive line, responsible for rushing the quarterback, stopping the run, and often setting the tone for the entire defense. In 2025, one of the most discussed prospects in the NFL draft cycle is Shemar Stewart, the standout defensive end from Texas A&M University.

A generational talent from the moment he stepped onto the college field, Stewart is expected to be one of the first defensive players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. To understand just how valuable Stewart is and how his potential can shape the future of both college and professional football, we must break down his game, the analysis from draft experts, and what makes him one of the most enticing prospects to emerge from Texas A&M in years.

Background and Recruitment: A Phenomenal Rise

Shemar Stewart’s journey to Texas A&M began in the recruiting world, where he quickly became one of the most highly sought-after defensive recruits in the country. A product of Miami, Florida, Stewart played high school football at Columbus High School, where he consistently dominated on both sides of the ball. Standing 6’5” and weighing in at nearly 300 pounds during his recruitment, Stewart was an immediate physical presence. His combination of size, agility, and raw power made him a standout prospect.

By the time Stewart signed with Texas A&M as part of their 2023 recruiting class, he was a consensus five-star recruit, ranking as one of the top defensive linemen in the country. He chose the Aggies over numerous other powerhouse programs, including the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia, and the University of Miami. Stewart’s commitment to Texas A&M sent ripples through the college football world, as the Aggies continued to build one of the most formidable defensive lines in the country.

Shemar Stewart’s Physical Attributes: A Physical Freak

Before we dive into Stewart’s on-field production, it’s important to first highlight the traits that make him such a unique and valuable talent. Simply put, Shemar Stewart is an athletic marvel—an athlete with the kind of physical attributes that not only make him a force on the field but also make NFL scouts salivate at the idea of what he could become in the pros.

• Height and Length: At 6’5”, Stewart has an ideal height for a defensive end. His long arms (measuring 35+ inches) allow him to engage blockers and shed them with ease. He can also extend to disrupt passes, making him an asset against both the run and pass.
• Weight and Strength: Stewart is listed at around 290-295 pounds, which gives him the bulk to play against elite offensive linemen at the next level. Yet despite his size, he has maintained his athleticism, demonstrating elite agility for a man of his stature. This blend of power and finesse makes him a complete defensive end capable of dominating in multiple ways.
• Speed and Agility: One of the most striking attributes of Stewart is his burst off the line. He has exceptional quickness in his first few steps, helping him get around offensive linemen before they can engage. His agility also allows him to make sharp cuts in pursuit of the ball, something not typically seen in defensive ends of his size. This speed and agility translate well into both pass rushing and pursuit of the ball on running plays.

Defensive Production: A Dominant Force

Stewart’s production at Texas A&M has matched his physical profile. From his first year with the Aggies, he quickly asserted himself as a dominant force along the defensive line, earning a starting role and consistently causing disruption in opposing backfields. By his sophomore season (2025), Stewart is one of the top players in the nation and has become the anchor of a Texas A&M defense that ranks among the best in the SEC.

Pass Rush: Unstoppable Off the Edge

One of the key areas in which Stewart stands out is his ability to rush the passer. As a defensive end in Texas A&M’s system, he is often lined up on the edge and tasked with generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Stewart excels in this area because of his combination of speed, hand technique, and relentless motor.

His ability to explode off the line of scrimmage and generate power in short bursts makes him difficult for offensive linemen to block, especially in one-on-one situations. Stewart can line up on either side of the formation and bring the same level of intensity and skill to both positions, giving opposing offensive coordinators nightmares when trying to gameplan against him.

In 2024, Stewart tallied 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, numbers that rank him among the top pass rushers in college football. But what makes Stewart even more frightening is his ability to apply pressure even when he doesn’t record a sack. His ability to collapse the pocket and force quarterbacks to move off their spot, even if not resulting in a sack, still impacts the game tremendously.

Run Defense: A Wall Against the Ground Game

While Stewart’s pass rush abilities are elite, his value is not just in his ability to attack the quarterback. His strength and size make him a force against the run. In SEC football, where the running game is crucial, Stewart is often tasked with holding his ground against some of the nation’s most physical offensive lines.

He has an uncanny ability to disengage from blockers and get off his assignments to track down running backs. Stewart’s lateral quickness allows him to chase down ball carriers, and his powerful hands allow him to shed blocks effectively. As an edge defender, he is excellent at maintaining his gap integrity and preventing the ball from spilling outside, which forces the offense into less desirable running lanes.

In 2024, Stewart posted a career-high 85 tackles and consistently led his team in tackles for loss, showing that he is a true dual-threat player capable of excelling in both facets of the game.

The NFL Draft Picture: A Highly Rated Prospect

As we look toward the 2025 NFL Draft, Shemar Stewart is expected to be one of the top defensive prospects available. Draft analysts across the country have praised his blend of physical tools, technical development, and motor. His potential to impact both the run and the pass make him an ideal candidate for an NFL defense that values versatility and elite edge play.

Draft Analysts’ Consensus on Stewart

• Physical Potential: According to NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah, Stewart is a “premium talent” who “looks the part of a future NFL All-Pro.” Jeremiah emphasizes that Stewart’s combination of size and speed gives him the ability to make an immediate impact at the next level.
• Pro Comparison: Some analysts have compared Stewart to players like Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs) or Jadeveon Clowney (Cleveland Browns) due to his ability to dominate as both a pass rusher and a run defender. Stewart’s game is reminiscent of these NFL stars because of his versatility to line up in multiple spots on the defensive line and cause havoc in both the interior and on the edge.
• Positional Value: Defensive ends who can rush the passer and stop the run are incredibly valuable in today’s NFL, where the emphasis on both the passing game and stopping the run is crucial to a team’s success. Stewart’s position versatility—being able to play both 4-3 defensive end and 3-4 outside linebacker roles—makes him a valuable asset for NFL teams looking to beef up their pass rush. He could fit into a wide variety of defensive schemes, which adds to his draft appeal.
• Upside: The word “upside” is often thrown around when discussing Stewart, and for good reason. At 290 pounds, he already possesses rare athleticism and physical gifts, but his motor and work ethic could be even more influential in his development. With the right coaching, Stewart could become a dominant force on an NFL defense, particularly in the same way players like Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns) and Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams) have used their combination of power, speed, and technique to become game-changers.

Projected Draft Position

If Stewart continues to perform as expected throughout the 2025 season, it is not unrealistic to see him go in the top 5 of the NFL Draft. Given the ever-increasing importance of the pass rush in today’s NFL, teams with needs on the defensive line are sure to covet a player of Stewart’s caliber. As of now, draft analysts predict that he will likely go in the top 10, and possibly even to a team in need of a foundational defensive player who can step in immediately and make an impact.

 The Worth of Shemar Stewart

Shemar Stewart is not just another talented defensive end in the 2025 NFL Draft class—he’s a generational talent who possesses all the physical attributes to become an elite player at the next level. His combination of size, speed, and agility makes him a rare prospect, and his dominant performances at Texas A&M have solidified his status as one of the most coveted players in college football.

NFL teams in need of a dynamic edge rusher will no doubt focus heavily on Stewart as they prepare for the draft. Whether he’s setting the edge against the run, collapsing the pocket to sack the quarterback, or simply using his length and power to disrupt passing lanes, Stewart has the tools to change a team’s defensive identity. His worth in the 2025 NFL Draft cannot be understated, and the future of

whichever NFL franchise selects him will undoubtedly be brighter with his presence on the field.