Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M becomes the greatest unknown in this year’s draft after setting all-time records at the NFL Combine.

In the high-stakes world of the NFL Draft, every year sees players rise and fall in stock as they make their case to teams. However, one player has captured attention in 2025 more than any other, not necessarily for his on-field career but because of the seismic impact he made at the NFL Scouting Combine. Shemar Stewart, a defensive lineman from Texas A&M, has become one of the most intriguing and enigmatic prospects in the upcoming draft. After setting all-time records at the Combine, Stewart is now seen as the “greatest unknown” in this year’s draft class, a player with immense potential but whose future remains shrouded in mystery.

This article explores the journey of Shemar Stewart, from his rise as one of the top defensive prospects to his stunning performance at the Combine, as well as what his future might look like in the NFL. We will dive into his impressive physical attributes, his combine performances that shook the NFL world, and the questions that still surround him as he enters the 2025 NFL Draft.

Shemar Stewart’s Journey to the NFL Combine

Shemar Stewart’s football journey began in a small town in Florida, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dominant defensive force in high school. A standout at American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida, Stewart was regarded as one of the top recruits in the nation coming out of high school. His combination of size, speed, and raw talent made him a highly sought-after prospect, and he ultimately chose to play his college football at Texas A&M University, joining a competitive SEC program.

Stewart’s arrival at Texas A&M was highly anticipated. As a true freshman, he made an immediate impact on the defensive line, showcasing his rare blend of size and agility. By his sophomore season, Stewart had already become one of the most formidable defensive linemen in the SEC, earning All-SEC honors for his performance. Known for his ability to penetrate offensive lines and disrupt opposing quarterbacks, Stewart’s reputation continued to grow throughout his time at Texas A&M.

Though Stewart displayed considerable talent on the field, his career at Texas A&M was not without its challenges. While he was undoubtedly one of the most gifted athletes on the team, there were times when his production did not match his potential. Some scouts questioned his consistency, while others believed that his best football was ahead of him. It was this tantalizing mix of raw potential and occasional inconsistency that led many to label him as a “boom or bust” prospect heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

A Combine Performance Like No Other

Despite questions about his college production, Shemar Stewart’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine erased any doubts about his athleticism and potential. When he stepped onto the field for the Combine, it was clear that he was not just another defensive lineman trying to impress scouts — he was a physical phenomenon who would leave an indelible mark on the event.

Stewart posted jaw-dropping numbers that shattered records and sent ripples throughout the NFL scouting community. His performance at the Combine highlighted just how unique he was as a prospect. For perspective, let’s take a look at some of the key metrics Stewart achieved that cemented his place in Combine history:

• 40-Yard Dash Time: One of the most anticipated events at the Combine is the 40-yard dash, a critical measure of speed and explosiveness. For a defensive lineman of Stewart’s size, running a fast 40-yard dash is a rarity. Stewart clocked in at an astonishing 4.47 seconds, a time that not only set a Combine record for a defensive lineman but also put him in rare company for any player, regardless of position. This blistering time showed scouts that Stewart possessed a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism.
• Vertical Leap: Known for his explosiveness, Stewart showed off his elite leaping ability, recording a vertical jump of 41.5 inches. This vertical jump broke the previous Combine record for defensive linemen and highlighted Stewart’s ability to explode off the ground, a key trait for a pass rusher who can consistently challenge offensive linemen and get to the quarterback.
• Bench Press: Stewart also impressed in the bench press, showcasing his strength. He put up 30 reps of 225 pounds, a remarkable number for a player of his size. This strength, combined with his speed and agility, made him a complete defensive lineman in the eyes of scouts.
• 3-Cone Drill and Shuttle: While these drills are not typically dominated by defensive linemen, Stewart’s agility in both the 3-cone drill and the short shuttle proved that he had the lateral quickness and flexibility to excel in a variety of defensive schemes. His 6.98-second 3-cone time was among the best for his position, showing that Stewart was not just a straight-line athlete but also someone who could change direction and chase plays from sideline to sideline.

What made Stewart’s Combine performance so remarkable was that he combined these eye-popping numbers with his size. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 315 pounds, Stewart was far from the typical defensive lineman you would expect to put up these kinds of athletic numbers. His size allowed him to play against much bigger opponents, but his speed and agility made him stand out as a versatile weapon capable of playing multiple positions along the defensive line.

The Greatest Unknown: A Dual-Edged Sword

Despite setting Combine records and displaying exceptional physical traits, Shemar Stewart has become what many are calling the “greatest unknown” of this year’s draft. While his Combine performance solidified his status as one of the most physically gifted players in the draft class, his college career left much to be desired in terms of production. Stewart’s raw potential is evident, but there are still several factors that remain unclear about his future in the NFL.

Inconsistency in College

One of the major concerns surrounding Stewart as he enters the NFL Draft is his consistency. Throughout his time at Texas A&M, Stewart showed flashes of brilliance but often failed to deliver the same level of dominance on a regular basis. While he had standout performances against top SEC competition, there were times when he struggled to make a significant impact in games. His college tape raised questions about his ability to consistently beat double-teams, maintain effort throughout games, and execute his assignments in a disciplined manner.

NFL teams are well aware of Stewart’s physical gifts, but the big question is whether he can translate that raw potential into consistent, high-level play at the next level. In the NFL, defenders are expected to bring it every play, and Stewart’s ability to maintain his focus and deliver consistent pressure on the quarterback or create havoc in the backfield will be critical to his success.

Scheme Fit and Position Flexibility

Another factor that adds to the uncertainty surrounding Stewart is his positional flexibility. While he is an elite athlete with the ability to play defensive tackle or defensive end, it remains unclear which position is his best fit in the NFL. Some teams may look at Stewart as a 3-4 defensive end, where he can use his explosiveness to rush the passer, while others may see him as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme, where his size and strength would allow him to plug gaps and control the line of scrimmage.

This positional ambiguity adds an extra layer of uncertainty to Stewart’s draft stock. The team that selects him will need to have a clear vision for how to use his unique skill set. Stewart will likely thrive in a versatile defensive system where he is allowed to move around the line and use his explosiveness to attack the quarterback from different angles.

Mentality and Work Ethic

One of the biggest questions surrounding Stewart is his mentality and work ethic. While his Combine performance indicates that he has the physical tools to succeed at the NFL level, some scouts have raised concerns about his ability to maximize those tools on the field. At times during his college career, Stewart showed a lack of consistency in his approach to the game, which is a concern for a player with such immense potential.

Teams will want to know if Stewart has the hunger and drive to reach his full potential. The NFL is filled with elite athletes who are highly motivated to succeed, and the best players are those who consistently put in the work both on and off the field. If Stewart can develop the mental toughness and discipline needed to match his physical gifts, he could become an unstoppable force in the NFL.

The Future of Shemar Stewart

Shemar Stewart enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a tantalizing enigma. He is a player with one of the highest ceilings in the entire class, thanks to his Combine performance, but his inconsistency and questions surrounding his mental approach to the game leave some uncertainty about what he will become at the next level.

Ultimately, Stewart’s future will depend on the team that selects him and how well they can develop his raw talent. If he is placed in the right system with the right coaching staff, he has the potential to become one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. However, if he struggles to adjust to the professional level or fails to meet expectations, he could fall short of the massive potential that his Combine performance promised.

As teams begin to evaluate Stewart’s combine performance, college tape, and interviews, it’s clear that he will be one of the most fascinating players to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft. Whether he becomes a star or remains an unknown talent will depend on his ability to transition from an athletic marvel into a consistently dominant NFL player. For now, Stewart remains the greatest unknown in this draft class, and NFL teams will be waiting to see which version of him they get.