Shemar Stewart of the Texas A&M Aggies Responded to “Questions” at the Senior Bowl
Shemar Stewart, the standout defensive lineman from Texas A&M, was one of the most highly anticipated prospects at the 2025 Senior Bowl. As a player who has drawn significant attention from NFL scouts, he entered the event with a lot of expectations and the weight of proving his status as one of the top defensive linemen in the draft. While Stewart has already proven himself to be a disruptive force on the field, the Senior Bowl offered him the opportunity to address lingering questions and solidify his place among the top-tier prospects heading into the NFL Draft.
Throughout the week leading up to the Senior Bowl, Stewart was faced with plenty of questions—not only about his skill set but also his mental approach to the game, his consistency, and how he might translate his college success into the NFL. In response, Stewart was resolute and confident, making it clear that he was not only prepared for the challenges but also eager to prove himself in front of the NFL decision-makers.
A Look at Stewart’s College Career and Performance Leading to the Senior Bowl
Before diving into his performance at the Senior Bowl, it’s important to recognize Stewart’s achievements during his time at Texas A&M. Stewart came into the Aggies’ program as one of the most highly touted recruits in the country, and he did not disappoint during his college career. He has been an essential part of the Aggies’ defensive line, known for his ability to disrupt the pocket, stop the run, and bring consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Standing at 6’5” and weighing in at around 290 pounds, Stewart has the physical tools that NFL scouts look for in a defensive lineman. His combination of size, strength, and explosiveness was on display for all to see during his time at Texas A&M. Stewart’s versatility on the defensive front was one of his defining characteristics, as he demonstrated the ability to play both inside as a defensive tackle and on the edge as a defensive end. This made him an incredibly valuable asset to the Aggies, as he was able to generate pressure in different schemes and situations.
Throughout his college career, Stewart was a constant presence in opposing backfields. He totaled multiple sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hurries, and was known for his ability to affect plays without necessarily needing to record a sack. His work against the run was also noteworthy, as he used his strength and leverage to take on blockers and clog running lanes.
Despite his success, Stewart still had areas where questions remained. These questions were not about his raw talent but about his consistency and how he would transition to the NFL level, where the competition would be even stiffer. His performance at the Senior Bowl became an opportunity for him to address these concerns and answer the lingering questions about his game.
The Senior Bowl: A Crucial Opportunity for Stewart
The Senior Bowl serves as one of the most important events in the pre-draft process. It is a unique opportunity for senior players to showcase their skills in front of NFL coaches, general managers, scouts, and media. The game itself is often viewed as a chance to impress in a live-game setting, but the week of practice leading up to the game is often just as valuable, if not more so. Players are evaluated on how they perform in practice, their ability to handle coaching, and how they adapt to different systems and drills.
For Shemar Stewart, the Senior Bowl was an opportunity to answer some of the questions about his game. Questions had arisen during his college career about his ability to stay consistent, particularly in big moments. Despite his natural talent, some analysts questioned whether he would be able to consistently generate pressure at the next level. Additionally, questions arose regarding his motor—was he aggressive and relentless enough to dominate at the NFL level?
Stewart entered the Senior Bowl with these concerns in mind, determined to show NFL scouts and coaches that he had the tools to be an elite player at the next level. Throughout the practices, he made a strong impression, showcasing his skill set, improving his technique, and demonstrating an increased level of aggression and consistency. From the first practice to the last, Stewart was one of the standout defensive players in attendance.
Addressing the Questions: Stewart’s Senior Bowl Practice Performance
During the Senior Bowl week, Stewart took full advantage of the opportunity to respond to the questions surrounding his game. He was actively involved in every drill and played with a noticeable fire. His physicality was evident as he dominated the line of scrimmage, using his strength to shed blockers and overpower opposing offensive linemen. But it wasn’t just his physical gifts that impressed; Stewart’s technique was on display as well. His hand placement, footwork, and leverage were much improved from what scouts had seen on film at Texas A&M.
One of the areas where Stewart had faced some criticism was his pass-rush technique. While he had the ability to generate pressure, some scouts felt that his rush lacked a certain level of refinement. At the Senior Bowl, however, Stewart showed his commitment to developing his craft. He worked closely with NFL coaches to refine his technique, paying close attention to his hand usage and timing in order to increase his effectiveness in passing situations.
Stewart’s motor was another question mark heading into the Senior Bowl. In college, he had shown moments of dominance, but at times, he appeared to take plays off or become disengaged. At the Senior Bowl, Stewart addressed this concern head-on. Throughout the week, he played with urgency, giving maximum effort on every rep. His intensity in practice sent a clear message to scouts: he had taken the feedback from his college career seriously, and he was ready to compete at the highest level.
In addition to his pass-rush ability, Stewart also showcased his skills against the run. His size and strength made him a difficult player to move off the ball, and his quickness off the line allowed him to get into the backfield and make plays. He consistently disrupted running plays, clogging lanes and forcing ball carriers to adjust their routes. His ability to play the run and the pass made him an appealing prospect for any team looking to add a versatile defensive lineman to their roster.
The Impact of Stewart’s Performance: Responses from Coaches and Scouts
Throughout the week, coaches and scouts were effusive in their praise of Stewart’s performance. His combination of size, skill, and effort was a standout feature, and many noted that he had solidified his place as one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“I’ve been really impressed with Shemar Stewart’s work ethic this week,” said one NFL defensive line coach. “You can see the talent he brings to the table, but what’s most encouraging is his willingness to learn and improve. He’s been taking coaching seriously and it’s showing in the way he’s executing his drills.”
Scouts were equally impressed with Stewart’s consistency throughout the week. While some players can have moments of brilliance but struggle with maintaining that level of play, Stewart was able to bring it on every rep. His performance made it clear that he was not just a workout warrior—he could consistently perform under the scrutiny of NFL coaches.
“Stewart has shown that he can be dominant in both individual drills and in the team setting,” said a scout for an NFC team. “He’s not just a physical specimen—he’s developing the mental side of his game, and that’s really going to help him as he transitions to the next level. I’m excited to see how he continues to develop.”
What’s Next for Shemar Stewart?
As Stewart’s performance at the Senior Bowl solidified his place as one of the premier defensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, the next step in his journey will be preparing for the NFL Combine and his pro day. These events will provide him with even more opportunities to showcase his physical attributes and athleticism in front of NFL teams. But it is clear that Stewart has already made a significant impression on the NFL world with his work at the Senior Bowl.
While there is still plenty of work to be done, Stewart’s performance at the Senior Bowl gave him a chance to answer the questions that had lingered about his game. He showcased his ability to be a versatile, relentless, and technically sound defensive lineman—traits that will serve him well at the next level. NFL teams are now more confident than ever that Stewart has the potential to be a difference-maker in their defensive schemes.
For Shemar Stewart, the journey to the NFL is just beginning, but the Senior Bowl showed that he is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. His performance in Mobile may have been the beginning of the next chapter of his career—one in which he proves that he is not only a top prospect but also a player capable of making an immediate impact in the NFL.
