Texas A&M DE Shemar Stewart was chosen as the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart Selected No. 17 Overall in the 2025 NFL Draft
In a moment that encapsulates years of hard work, development, and dominant play, Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart was selected 17th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Miami native and five-star recruit turned SEC star now takes the next step in his football journey, heading to the NFL as one of the most promising edge rushers in this year’s class.
For Texas A&M fans and supporters, Stewart’s selection is both a celebration and a validation. His growth into a first-round pick speaks volumes not only about his immense talent but also about the Aggies’ ability to develop elite NFL-ready defenders. In a draft class full of edge-rushing talent, Stewart’s stock rose steadily throughout the 2024 college season and the pre-draft process, culminating in a well-earned top-20 selection.
Shemar Stewart arrived at Texas A&M with considerable hype. Coming out of Monsignor Pace High School in Miami Gardens, Florida, Stewart was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the nation. A dominant high school performer with an NFL-ready frame at 6’6″ and 275 pounds, Stewart was pursued by virtually every powerhouse program in the country before choosing Texas A&M.
His commitment to the Aggies was seen as a massive recruiting victory for then-head coach Jimbo Fisher. Stewart’s decision helped anchor what was considered one of the top recruiting classes in college football history in 2022, and he immediately became a foundational piece for Texas A&M’s defense.
From the beginning, Stewart was physically imposing and explosive. He made an impact early in his freshman season and steadily developed into a complete defensive lineman over the next three years. By the time the 2024 season rolled around, he was one of the most feared pass rushers in the SEC and a surefire first-round NFL Draft prospect.
While Stewart flashed his potential throughout his first few years in College Station, it was his final collegiate season that truly set him apart. In 2024, Stewart recorded 11.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles—numbers that earned him First-Team All-SEC honors and positioned him as one of the most disruptive forces in college football.
His elite get-off at the snap, violent hands, and natural leverage made him a constant threat against both the pass and the run. Stewart routinely drew double-teams, yet he still managed to impact games at a high level. Against top-tier SEC competition, he showed not only physical dominance but also a refined understanding of the game, including reading protections, diagnosing plays, and closing on the quarterback with precision.
Scouts took notice of Stewart’s motor and consistent effort. He wasn’t just a highlight-reel player—he was relentless from snap to whistle, often making plays away from the ball and setting the tone for A&M’s front seven.
Shemar Stewart’s performance at the 2025 NFL Combine only reinforced his status as a top prospect. He wowed scouts with a 4.59-second 40-yard dash—an impressive time for a 270+ pound edge rusher—and added a 37-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-5 broad jump, all of which showcased his elite explosiveness and athleticism.
Beyond the numbers, Stewart interviewed exceptionally well with teams, earning praise for his football IQ, leadership qualities, and maturity. He impressed coaches and GMs by breaking down film and explaining his approach to pass-rush techniques and game preparation. At his Texas A&M Pro Day, he demonstrated agility in positional drills and confirmed that he was one of the most NFL-ready defenders in the class.
His performance during this critical stretch of the pre-draft process solidified his stock. Teams needing immediate help along the defensive line saw in Stewart a player capable of starting from day one, bringing both immediate production and long-term upside.
Selected at No. 17 overall, Stewart lands in a position to contribute immediately. His new NFL team, in need of edge-rushing help, is getting a well-rounded player who can line up in multiple fronts, set the edge in the run game, and collapse the pocket on passing downs. Whether playing with his hand in the dirt or standing up on the edge, Stewart’s versatility allows him to adapt to both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes.
As a rookie, Stewart projects to be part of a defensive rotation early, with the potential to secure a starting role by midseason. His high floor as a run defender and his pass-rush ceiling make him one of the more balanced edge defenders in the draft. He brings a combination of power, speed, and technique that NFL coordinators crave.
Additionally, Stewart’s maturity and leadership could make him a locker-room asset from the jump. His reputation as a team-first player and his ability to lead by example will be valuable in a league where character matters just as much as talent.
Shemar Stewart’s selection continues a strong tradition of Texas A&M sending elite defensive linemen to the NFL. From Myles Garrett (No. 1 overall in 2017) to DeMarvin Leal and Kingsley Keke, the Aggies have long been a factory for top defensive line talent.
Stewart’s development is a credit to Texas A&M’s strength and conditioning staff, position coaches, and player development programs. The program’s ability to consistently churn out NFL-ready linemen has helped Texas A&M maintain its reputation as a premier destination for elite defensive talent.
This first-round selection also sends a strong message to future recruits: come to Texas A&M, and you will be prepared for the highest level of football. Stewart’s success on draft night is a shining example of what is possible for young athletes who choose to call College Station home.
Scouting Report Summary
Name: Shemar Stewart
Position: Defensive End
College: Texas A&M
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 275 lbs
Drafted: No. 17 Overall, 2025 NFL Draft
NFL Comparison: Danielle Hunter
Strengths:
- Elite frame and explosiveness
- High-level production against top competition
- Effective hand usage and pass-rush arsenal
- Scheme versatility
- Strong football IQ and leadership
Areas for Development: - Occasionally over-pursues plays
- Needs to improve consistency in play recognition
Speaking to reporters moments after being selected, Shemar Stewart reflected on his journey with emotion and pride.
“This is something I’ve dreamed about since I first put on pads,” he said. “All the early mornings, the late nights, the sacrifices—it’s all paid off. I owe a lot to my family, my coaches, my teammates, and everyone at Texas A&M who believed in me. But I’m just getting started. I want to make an impact at the next level.”
His humility and determination were evident, as was his excitement to get to work with his new team.
Shemar Stewart leaves College Station as one of the most impactful defensive players in recent memory. While the Aggies didn’t always achieve team-wide success during his tenure, Stewart’s individual brilliance shone through week after week. He helped anchor a defense that kept A&M competitive in a loaded SEC and gave fans reason to believe that dominance in the trenches would remain a program staple.
His draft selection adds to Texas A&M’s growing list of first-round picks, and his success at the next level will only elevate the perception of the program. Stewart will be remembered not just for his sacks and highlights but for the way he represented Texas A&M—on and off the field.
Shemar Stewart’s selection at No. 17 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft is more than a personal milestone—it’s a testament to potential fulfilled. A former five-star recruit who became a college star and now an NFL first-rounder, Stewart’s story is a blueprint for what happens when talent, work ethic, and opportunity meet.
For Texas A&M, it’s another proud moment in their tradition of excellence. For Stewart, it’s just the beginning.
Now, the spotlight shifts to the NFL stage, where the young edge rusher will have the opportunity to make his mark, continue developing, and live out the dream that started on high school fields in South Florida and became reality under the bright lights of the SEC.
One thing is clear: Shemar Stewart is ready.
