Shemar Stewart, an edge rusher for the Texas A&M Aggies, was chosen in the top 10 of the latest mock draft.

Shemar Stewart, an edge rusher for the Texas A&M Aggies, has established himself as one of the premier defensive prospects in college football. His combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability has propelled him to the top of NFL draft boards, with some analysts predicting that he will be selected within the top 10 picks in the latest mock drafts. This represents a significant achievement for Stewart, who has seen his stock soar throughout his time at Texas A&M.
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, teams are searching for the next generation of impact players to help them build championship-contending rosters. Edge rushers, in particular, are among the most coveted positions in the modern NFL, where quarterbacks are under constant pressure from aggressive defenses. Stewart’s skill set fits the bill perfectly, and his potential to be a game-changer at the next level is undeniable.
A Rising Star: Shemar Stewart’s Journey to the NFL
Shemar Stewart’s rise to prominence did not happen overnight. The Miami, Florida, native has been an incredibly gifted football player since his high school days. Stewart attended Monsignor Pace High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the top defensive prospects in the country. His raw talent and ability to dominate on the field caught the attention of college scouts, and by the time he was a senior, Stewart had earned a five-star ranking, placing him among the top recruits in the nation.
As a highly sought-after recruit, Stewart had a number of top-tier programs vying for his commitment, but he ultimately chose to stay close to home and join the Texas A&M Aggies. His decision to play for the Aggies was part of a larger trend of top recruits heading to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which has become the most competitive conference in college football.
Once he arrived at Texas A&M, Stewart quickly adapted to the college game and made an immediate impact. As a freshman, he showcased his skills as a versatile edge rusher, capable of pressuring quarterbacks, setting the edge against the run, and showing off his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage. His first year was an eye-opening experience for many, and by his sophomore season, Stewart was already being hailed as one of the top defensive players in college football.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
One of the primary reasons why Shemar Stewart is generating so much buzz in NFL circles is his combination of physical attributes. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 275 pounds, Stewart is an imposing presence on the field. His size allows him to hold his ground against offensive linemen, while his explosiveness off the line and ability to bend around blockers make him a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks.
Stewart’s skill set is a blend of raw power and refined technique. His ability to use his length to his advantage allows him to disengage from blockers effectively, while his quickness enables him to reach the quarterback in a hurry. He has also shown a high level of intelligence in terms of recognizing offensive schemes and adjusting his technique accordingly. Stewart’s versatility as a pass rusher—whether it’s from a 3-4 outside linebacker position or a 4-3 defensive end—adds to his appeal. His ability to line up in various spots along the defensive line gives NFL coaches multiple options for how to use him.
In terms of his playing style, Stewart is often described as relentless and relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback. He plays with an edge and a fire that can wear down offensive linemen over the course of a game. Whether it’s utilizing his powerful bull rush to overpower blockers or using a quick spin move to disengage, Stewart’s diverse arsenal of pass-rushing moves makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
However, while Stewart’s ability to rush the passer is his calling card, he is also known for his ability to set the edge against the run. His size and strength make him difficult to move off the line of scrimmage, and he uses his long arms to shed blockers and maintain outside containment. His ability to perform in both facets of the game—pass rush and run defense—has made him one of the most well-rounded edge rusher prospects in recent memory.
Impact at Texas A&M
Throughout his college career at Texas A&M, Shemar Stewart consistently put up impressive numbers and earned praise from coaches, analysts, and teammates alike. In his sophomore season, he emerged as one of the top defensive players in the SEC, posting double-digit sacks and playing a key role in the Aggies’ defensive success. His ability to disrupt offenses and create havoc in the backfield was a key factor in the Aggies’ defensive schemes, and his performances on the field only bolstered his reputation as a top-tier edge rusher.
Stewart’s ability to perform in the SEC, widely regarded as the most challenging and competitive conference in college football, further solidified his draft stock. In a conference known for its physicality and high-level competition, Stewart’s performances stood out. Whether he was facing elite offensive tackles or highly regarded quarterbacks, Stewart consistently made his presence felt.
One of Stewart’s most notable performances came against a top-tier SEC opponent, where he single-handedly altered the outcome of the game by forcing turnovers, pressuring the quarterback, and setting the tone with a relentless motor. It was this type of performance that garnered national attention and made him one of the most talked-about defensive prospects in the country.
Pre-Draft Analysis: Top 10 Pick?
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, Shemar Stewart has positioned himself as one of the top defensive prospects in the class. As an edge rusher, he is consistently ranked among the top players at his position, and many experts have him pegged to go in the top 10. His combination of size, athleticism, and production at Texas A&M makes him a highly coveted prospect for teams looking to improve their pass rush and bolster their defense.
In a draft class that features several standout defensive players, Stewart’s name consistently appears in mock drafts as one of the first edge rushers off the board. His physical attributes, versatility, and elite pass-rushing ability make him an ideal candidate for teams looking to add an impact player on defense. As teams continue to prioritize getting after the quarterback, Stewart’s stock continues to rise, and it seems inevitable that he will be selected early in the draft.
NFL teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions—who all hold top 10 picks—are expected to be in the market for a player like Stewart. All three teams have made significant investments in their offensive units in recent years, and they are now looking to address their defensive needs. Stewart’s ability to contribute right away and make an immediate impact as a pass rusher makes him an attractive option for teams with a pressing need on defense.
Teams that favor a 3-4 defensive scheme will also find Stewart to be an ideal fit, as his ability to rush the passer from both a stand-up linebacker position and a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end position makes him a versatile asset. His size and strength allow him to handle the demands of a 3-4 system, where edge rushers must be able to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and defend the run with equal effectiveness.
Areas of Improvement
While Shemar Stewart is widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 draft, like all players, there are areas of his game that can be refined as he transitions to the NFL. One area for improvement is his consistency with hand placement and disengagement techniques. While he is naturally strong and has developed a variety of pass-rushing moves, at times, he can struggle to shed blockers quickly, especially against more experienced offensive linemen.
Additionally, while Stewart is an explosive athlete, his ability to bend around the edge and flatten to the quarterback needs refinement. More work in this area would allow him to become a more effective pass rusher at the next level, where opposing tackles will be more skilled at handling his power rushes.
Finally, like many young players, Stewart will need to adjust to the speed of the NFL game and improve his ability to read offenses and adjust to different blocking schemes. However, these are all areas that can be developed with time and coaching, and given Stewart’s work ethic and football IQ, it is likely that he will continue to improve as he gains experience.