Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart was selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In a move designed to inject youth, power, and disruption into their defensive front, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his imposing size, elite athletic traits, and versatility along the defensive line, Stewart adds both upside and immediate impact potential to a Bengals unit looking to reassert itself in the AFC.
A former five-star recruit out of Miami, Florida, Stewart took major strides at Texas A&M, developing into one of the most physically dominant edge defenders in college football. Now, he’s headed to Cincinnati to bring those same disruptive traits to a team with championship aspirations and a defense in need of new playmakers.
Why the Bengals Chose Shemar Stewart
Cincinnati entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear objective: get tougher and more dynamic in the trenches. While many expected the Bengals to address their offensive line early, the franchise instead pivoted to the best available defensive prospect on their board — Shemar Stewart.
“We had him graded as a top-15 player,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said on draft night. “His combination of size, power, and quickness is hard to teach. He’s the kind of guy that offensive coordinators have to plan around.”
Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 275 pounds, Stewart has the rare physical tools to dominate against both the run and the pass. He’s long, explosive off the edge, and powerful enough to collapse the pocket from the interior — a key trait for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s multiple-look scheme.
The Bengals have long relied on their front four to generate pressure without the aid of frequent blitzing. Adding Stewart to a group that already includes veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and versatile lineman B.J. Hill creates new matchup problems for opposing offenses.
Dominance in College Station
Shemar Stewart arrived at Texas A&M in 2022 as one of the most heralded defensive recruits in the country. He chose the Aggies over a who’s who of college football programs, drawn by the chance to play in the SEC and develop under a defensive-minded staff.
Over three seasons, Stewart transformed from a raw athlete into one of the most disruptive defenders in the nation. He totaled 16.5 sacks, 31.5 tackles for loss, and 112 total tackles during his collegiate career — numbers that only tell part of the story.
“He was a tone-setter for us,” said former Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko. “He demanded double-teams and still found ways to affect the quarterback. His motor, his strength, and his IQ — it all showed up on film.”
In 2024, Stewart saved his best for last, racking up 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss against some of the best offensive lines in the country. His performance against Alabama, in which he notched two sacks and four QB pressures, solidified his standing as a first-round pick.
Pre-Draft Hype and Evaluation
Leading up to the draft, Stewart was widely viewed as one of the top defensive linemen in the class. His performance at the NFL Combine only fueled the buzz. Stewart posted a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, a 34-inch vertical leap, and 26 reps on the bench press — eye-popping numbers for a man his size.
Scouting reports praised his versatility, strength at the point of attack, and the ability to rush from various alignments. Some teams viewed him as a 4-3 defensive end, others as a 3-4 outside linebacker or even an interior pass-rusher in sub-packages.
“He’s a chess piece,” said NFL analyst Bucky Brooks. “There’s a little Cam Jordan to his game — big, powerful, can win with technique or brute force. He’s a foundational guy.”
However, Stewart was not without his critiques. Some scouts pointed to moments where he disappeared from games or lost leverage against quicker tackles. Still, the overall consensus was that with professional coaching, he could quickly become one of the league’s premier defenders.
Bengals’ Defensive Identity and Stewart’s Fit
Lou Anarumo’s defense is known for its adaptability and situational creativity. In recent years, the Bengals have used a mix of zone and man coverage behind a front that rarely blitzes. That puts a premium on having linemen who can win one-on-one battles and collapse the pocket.
That’s where Shemar Stewart fits perfectly.
He has the size and strength to set the edge in base packages and the agility to rush the passer on third down. His presence could allow the Bengals to move Sam Hubbard inside more often or rotate linemen more effectively to keep everyone fresh.
“He gives us another guy who can play three downs,” Anarumo said. “He’s strong against the run, but he’s also got that juice to get after the quarterback. That kind of versatility is huge in today’s game.”
With Hendrickson entering the latter stages of his prime and depth behind him thin, Stewart could see immediate snaps as a rookie — both as a rotational piece and situational starter.
Reaction from Around the League
The Bengals’ selection of Stewart earned mostly positive reviews from NFL insiders and analysts.
NFL.com graded the pick as an A-, citing his upside and fit in Cincinnati’s defensive scheme. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. called it “one of the most logical marriages of player and team in the first round.”
Former NFL defensive end and current analyst Chris Long praised the pick on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Shemar Stewart is gonna be a problem in that Bengals defense. That’s a grown man they just added.”
Bengals fans, always passionate and opinionated, took to social media to express excitement about the pick. Many lauded the front office for addressing the defense early, especially after the unit gave up several key drives late in games during the 2024 season.
Stewart’s Reaction
From his home in Florida, Shemar Stewart celebrated the moment with family, coaches, and close friends. The emotion on his face was evident as his name was called, and the Bengals logo flashed on the screen.
“I’m just so grateful,” Stewart said in a virtual press conference. “To be drafted by an organization like Cincinnati, with a team that’s been in the hunt every year — I couldn’t ask for more. I’m ready to get to work.”
He also mentioned the opportunity to play alongside veterans like Hendrickson and Hubbard.
“I’ve been watching those guys for years. To be in that room, to learn from them — it’s a blessing. I want to be a sponge.”
Stewart emphasized his desire to prove he was more than just a “tools” player.
“There’s still a lot I can get better at. I know that. But I love to work. I love football. I’m coming to make an impact.”
Cincinnati’s 2025 Outlook
With Joe Burrow healthy and surrounded by elite weapons on offense, Cincinnati’s Super Bowl window remains wide open. But as last season showed, defensive consistency will be key to pushing through a stacked AFC that includes Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and now C.J. Stroud.
Adding Shemar Stewart is a step toward fixing that.
He might not be a 10-sack guy as a rookie, but his ability to eat up blocks, generate pressure, and disrupt plays behind the line will make an immediate difference. He also brings the kind of toughness and edge that’s critical for AFC North matchups — where physicality often decides games.
Long-Term Vision
Shemar Stewart is more than just a pick for 2025. He’s a cornerstone for the Bengals’ defensive rebuild. With Hendrickson possibly nearing the end of his prime and uncertainty about future contracts along the D-line, Stewart represents both a short- and long-term solution.
If he develops as expected, Cincinnati may have landed a future Pro Bowler at a premium position — something every championship contender needs.
As the Bengals prepare for training camp, Stewart’s arrival brings energy, potential, and a renewed focus on building a defense capable of matching their explosive offense.
