After scouting combine effort, Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M is compared to an Aggie legend.

As college football players take the next step toward their professional careers, their performances at the NFL Scouting Combine often play a pivotal role in shaping their draft stock. For Shemar Stewart, the standout defensive lineman from Texas A&M, the 2024 NFL Combine presented an opportunity to showcase his impressive physicality, athleticism, and versatility to scouts, coaches, and decision-makers across the league. After his dominant performance, many began to draw comparisons to one of Texas A&M’s all-time greats: Von Miller, a former Aggie legend and one of the premier pass rushers in NFL history.

The comparison between Shemar Stewart and Von Miller is not just about their size, speed, or athleticism—though both possess incredible physical traits—but also about their potential to impact the game at the highest level of football. As Stewart’s draft prospects begin to take shape, it’s clear that his future could mirror the legendary trajectory that Miller has carved out in the NFL. In this article, we will explore Stewart’s performance at the Scouting Combine, break down the similarities and differences between him and Von Miller, and analyze what makes Stewart such an exciting prospect for NFL teams.

Shemar Stewart’s Scouting Combine Performance

Before diving into comparisons with Von Miller, it’s essential to first understand the significance of Shemar Stewart’s performance at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. A dominant force on the defensive line for Texas A&M, Stewart had already earned the reputation of being a disruptive and athletic player in the SEC. However, the Scouting Combine provided the stage for him to demonstrate his athleticism and work ethic in front of a wider audience.

At 6’5” and 285 pounds, Stewart’s size alone is enough to turn heads. He possesses an impressive frame with the kind of power that allows him to play both defensive end and defensive tackle at the collegiate level, and likely at the next level as well. His performance at the Combine further solidified his status as one of the premier defensive prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.

In particular, Stewart’s 40-yard dash time was one of the most impressive aspects of his performance. Despite his size, he posted a sub-5.0 second 40-yard dash, which is remarkable for a player of his size. This time is often used to gauge a player’s speed and explosiveness off the line of scrimmage—key traits for a defensive lineman looking to rush the passer and close down on ball carriers.

But Stewart’s physical gifts don’t stop at his speed. His vertical jump (measuring his explosiveness) was also impressive, reaching a solid 33.5 inches, which speaks to his ability to explode off the line and engage with blockers quickly. His bench press performance, where he recorded 30 reps, demonstrated his strength and power, which are critical attributes for any defensive lineman looking to control the trenches and fight through double-teams.

Stewart’s agility and ability to change direction were also on display during the 3-cone drill and shuttle drills, where he showed off his quick feet and fluidity for a player of his size. His ability to transition quickly between movements gives him a tremendous advantage when closing on quarterbacks or stopping plays in the backfield. The Combine showcased Stewart’s athleticism in a way that few had expected given his stature, making it clear that he is a player capable of both anchoring the line and being a consistent disruptor in the passing game.

While the Combine helped Stewart’s stock rise, it was his on-field performance at Texas A&M that truly caught the eye of NFL scouts. With 11.5 sacks and 30 tackles for loss during his career at A&M, Stewart proved himself to be a powerful force in the defensive line. His ability to beat blockers with a combination of quickness and power set him apart in the SEC, where he frequently faced some of the toughest competition in college football.

The Von Miller Comparison: Why It Makes Sense

To compare Shemar Stewart to a player like Von Miller is no small feat. Miller, who played for Texas A&M from 2007 to 2010, is widely regarded as one of the best pass rushers in NFL history. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Miller has cemented his legacy as one of the most dominant defensive players of his era. With an extensive list of accolades, it’s understandable that any player drawing comparisons to Miller is being held to an incredibly high standard.

However, the similarities between Stewart and Miller are difficult to ignore. At their core, both players share an elite combination of athleticism, strength, and pass-rushing prowess that make them legitimate game-changers on the defensive side of the ball. Let’s explore why the comparison is being made, focusing on key areas such as physical attributes, playing style, and potential impact at the NFL level.

Physical Attributes: Speed and Power

One of the most obvious similarities between Shemar Stewart and Von Miller is their physical attributes. Both players are gifted with the kind of size and athleticism that allows them to play multiple positions on the defensive line. Miller was known for his explosive speed and strength, which allowed him to terrorize opposing quarterbacks from the edge. His combination of flexibility and power made him a nightmare for blockers, and he could change the course of a game with a single sack or pressure on the quarterback.

Much like Miller, Stewart brings a unique combination of speed, power, and explosiveness to the table. Stewart’s 40-yard dash time of sub-5.0 seconds is remarkably fast for a player his size, and his strength (as shown in his bench press performance) is one of his most valuable attributes. He has the size and power to play as a defensive tackle in passing situations but also possesses the athleticism to rush from the edge, much like Miller did during his career. Stewart’s speed off the line is reminiscent of Miller’s, making him a versatile asset who can line up in different positions to create mismatches with offensive linemen.

Both players also have the ability to shed blockers with ease, combining strength with the fluidity and quickness to maneuver around offensive linemen. This agility, paired with their power, makes them highly effective in both pass-rushing and run-stopping situations.

Pass-Rushing Prowess

The hallmark of Von Miller’s career has been his ability to rush the passer effectively and consistently. Over the course of his career, Miller has totaled over 115 sacks and has routinely been one of the NFL’s most feared pass-rushers. His unique ability to get to the quarterback from the edge, along with his repertoire of pass-rush moves, has made him a perennial All-Pro and a force in every game he plays.

Shemar Stewart’s pass-rushing ability is equally impressive. Throughout his career at Texas A&M, Stewart demonstrated the ability to disrupt offenses with his quick burst off the line and strong hand technique. Whether it was a spin move, a bull rush, or a rip move, Stewart was able to utilize a variety of techniques to get past blockers and create havoc in the backfield. His 11.5 career sacks and 30 tackles for loss are a testament to his ability to change the game on defense.

While Stewart is still in the developmental stage of his career, his ability to translate his physical attributes into a pass-rushing presence is already well established. Much like Von Miller, Stewart has the potential to evolve into one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass rushers as he refines his craft and gains experience at the professional level.

Versatility and Impact

One of the defining features of Von Miller’s career has been his versatility. While he is primarily known as an edge rusher, Miller’s ability to be deployed in a variety of roles on the defensive side of the ball has made him even more dangerous. Whether it’s rushing the passer, dropping into coverage, or playing the run, Miller has demonstrated the flexibility that defensive coordinators covet in their players.

Similarly, Stewart’s versatility is one of his key selling points. He is capable of playing on the edge, lining up as a defensive end, or even inside as a defensive tackle in passing situations. This adaptability makes Stewart a potential matchup nightmare for offensive lines. With his size and quickness, Stewart can move around on the defensive line, allowing him to take advantage of mismatches against slower or less athletic linemen.

Stewart’s ability to be impactful in a variety of roles makes him an incredibly valuable asset for any team looking to bolster its defensive front. Whether it’s as a traditional pass rusher or as a disruptive force inside, Stewart has the tools to make a significant impact from multiple positions, just like Von Miller did throughout his career.

The Future: What’s Next for Shemar Stewart?

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, Shemar Stewart’s stock is on the rise. After his impressive performance at the Scouting Combine and his exceptional career at Texas A&M, he is now widely considered one of the top defensive prospects in the draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him a unique talent, and many analysts believe that he has the potential to become a game-changing player at the next level.

If Stewart’s career trajectory mirrors that of Von Miller, it’s safe to say that he could have a very successful NFL career. Whether he becomes the next great pass rusher or evolves into a versatile defensive weapon, the potential is there for him to leave a lasting impact on whichever team selects him.

For Texas A&M fans, the comparison to Von Miller is a proud one, and it serves as a reminder of the incredible talent that has emerged from the Aggies’ football program. While Stewart has big shoes to fill, the combination of physical gifts, work ethic, and football IQ suggests that he has the tools to carve out a legendary career of his own.

As the NFL Draft draws near, all eyes will be on Shemar Stewart as he takes the next step in his career. Whether he reaches the heights of Von Miller or forges his own path, there’s no denying that he has the potential to become one of the most disruptive defensive players in the game.