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

The road to the NFL Draft is often filled with uncertainty, hard work, and determination, and for Shemar Stewart, the journey has been nothing short of impressive. A standout edge rusher for the Texas A&M Aggies, Stewart has earned widespread recognition as one of the most dynamic and physically gifted defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Recently, Stewart was selected in the top 10 of the latest mock draft, cementing his status as one of the most coveted players heading into the NFL Draft.

Stewart’s rise to the top of the draft boards is a testament to his combination of raw talent, physicality, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Known for his relentless pass-rushing ability, size, and athleticism, he has all the tools to make an immediate impact in the NFL. In this article, we will explore Shemar Stewart’s journey to becoming a top draft prospect, his performance at Texas A&M, what makes him a special talent, and how he fits into the NFL landscape as a potential top-10 pick.

Early Life and High School Career

Shemar Stewart’s story begins in the Miami area, where he grew up in a football-rich environment. Born and raised in the heart of Florida, Stewart was exposed to the game at a young age. His natural athleticism was evident early on, and it didn’t take long for him to catch the eye of high school coaches and scouts. Stewart played for the prestigious Columbus High School, one of the top programs in Florida, where he quickly became one of the most feared defensive players in the state.

As a high school recruit, Stewart was widely regarded as one of the top defensive line prospects in the country. His blend of size, speed, and power made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Standing at 6’5” and weighing around 275 pounds, Stewart already possessed the physical traits that would make him a force at the collegiate and professional levels.

His high school career was marked by numerous accolades and eye-popping statistics, including a dominant performance in the Under Armour All-America Game, where he showcased his elite pass-rushing abilities. Stewart’s ability to play both defensive end and defensive tackle, along with his versatility to line up at different spots along the line, made him a top-tier recruit. His combination of athleticism, strength, and high football IQ led to offers from nearly every major college football program in the country.

Recruitment and Decision to Join Texas A&M

After being heavily recruited by some of the top programs in the country, Stewart made his decision to commit to Texas A&M. The Aggies, who were building a strong program under head coach Jimbo Fisher, offered Stewart the chance to play in the SEC, one of the most competitive and demanding conferences in college football. For Stewart, the opportunity to play in a high-level program with a reputation for developing top-tier defensive talent was an opportunity he could not pass up.

During his recruitment, Stewart was drawn to Texas A&M’s reputation for developing defensive linemen, the opportunity to play in a premier conference like the SEC, and the Aggies’ rising national profile. He also found the Aggies’ coaching staff, including defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, to be a perfect fit for his development as a player. Stewart’s decision to commit to Texas A&M was seen as a major win for the program and a statement of intent that they were continuing to recruit at an elite level.

College Career at Texas A&M

Shemar Stewart arrived at Texas A&M as one of the most highly anticipated recruits in the country. His combination of size, speed, and strength made him an immediate impact player, and his development over the next few years at A&M would prove to be a major factor in his rise up the NFL Draft boards.

Freshman Year: Adjusting to College Football

Stewart’s freshman year at Texas A&M was marked by a steep learning curve as he adjusted to the speed and physicality of college football. However, his raw talent was evident from the start. Although he wasn’t a starting player initially, Stewart quickly became one of the team’s most disruptive defensive players, showcasing his ability to create havoc in the backfield and apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.

Despite being a freshman, Stewart showed that he had the tools to make an immediate impact in the SEC. He recorded multiple sacks and tackles for loss, demonstrating his ability to get to the quarterback and disrupt the opponent’s offense. His work ethic and determination to improve on a daily basis quickly earned him the respect of his coaches and teammates.

Sophomore Year: Breaking Out

By his sophomore season, Stewart had developed into one of the best defensive players in the SEC. His combination of size, speed, and strength made him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, and he quickly became one of the most feared pass rushers in college football. Stewart’s ability to dominate both in the run game and as a pass rusher made him a versatile player, capable of making an impact in multiple facets of the game.

During his sophomore year, Stewart recorded an impressive number of sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles. His ability to pressure quarterbacks, disrupt passing lanes, and defend the run game put him on the radar of NFL scouts. By the end of the season, Stewart was seen as one of the top edge-rushing prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, and his stock was rapidly rising.

Junior Year: Entering the NFL Spotlight

In his junior year, Stewart continued to build on his previous success. He became a focal point of the Texas A&M defense and consistently faced double-teams and additional attention from offensive linemen trying to neutralize his pass-rushing ability. Despite this, Stewart continued to shine, consistently getting to the quarterback and being a disruptive force in the backfield. His motor and relentless work ethic made him one of the most feared defenders in the country.

His performance during the 2024 season was a major factor in his rise up draft boards. Stewart’s combination of pass-rushing moves, explosive first step, and ability to read the game made him a standout player in every game. He consistently showed the ability to take over games and make key plays in crucial moments. His performances against some of the top teams in the SEC, including Alabama, LSU, and Georgia, further solidified his status as a top prospect.

What Makes Shemar Stewart Special?

Shemar Stewart’s meteoric rise to the top of the NFL Draft ranks can be attributed to a number of factors that set him apart from other edge rushers in the class. His unique combination of physical traits, technical ability, and football IQ makes him a special talent and a prime candidate to go in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

1. Elite Physical Tools

At 6’5” and 275 pounds, Stewart possesses the ideal frame for an edge rusher. He combines his size with exceptional athleticism, making him an explosive force off the line of scrimmage. His combination of length, strength, and quickness allows him to win at the point of attack and disengage from blockers with ease. Whether it’s shedding offensive linemen or getting around the edge to sack the quarterback, Stewart’s physical attributes make him a matchup nightmare for offensive tackles.

2. Pass-Rushing Ability

Stewart’s most coveted skill is his ability to rush the passer. He has a natural feel for getting after the quarterback, using his speed and power to get around the edge. His pass-rushing moves, including his explosive first step, rip move, and bull rush, allow him to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His ability to change direction quickly and bend around the edge makes him one of the most versatile pass rushers in the draft.

3. Run Defense

While his pass-rushing skills are his most prominent feature, Stewart is also a solid run defender. His size and strength allow him to hold his ground against offensive linemen in the run game, and he has the quickness to chase down ball carriers and make tackles in space. His ability to stop the run while still being a potent pass rusher is a rare combination that makes him highly valuable at the next level.

4. Football IQ

Stewart has a high football IQ, which allows him to read offenses and adjust his approach as the game unfolds. His awareness on the field helps him make plays in both the passing and running games. His understanding of blocking schemes and his ability to quickly diagnose plays allow him to make decisive movements and execute his technique with precision.

Shemar Stewart’s Fit in the NFL

Shemar Stewart’s skill set makes him an ideal fit for multiple NFL schemes, particularly those that emphasize a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive alignment. His ability to line up both as a defensive end and outside linebacker gives teams flexibility in how they use him on defense. Whether he’s rushing the passer from the edge, lining up inside to rush as a defensive tackle, or dropping into coverage in certain situations, Stewart can fit into a variety of defensive systems.

Stewart’s NFL projection is that of a highly sought-after edge rusher, one who could immediately contribute to a team’s pass rush while continuing to develop into an elite force in the league. Teams looking for an edge rusher to complement their defensive front seven and provide a consistent pass rush will likely consider Stewart as a potential cornerstone piece for their defense.