Texas A\&M’s Shemar Stewart has earned a spot among ESPN’s Top 100 Best Draft Picks, showcasing his elite potential.

When ESPN unveiled its list of the Top 100 Draft Picks, one name stood out in the mix of future NFL stars: Shemar Stewart, the defensive lineman from Texas A&M. The 6’6″, 290-pound powerhouse has established himself as a key player in the 2025 NFL Draft class, earning recognition for his elite potential. For a program like Texas A&M, known for producing NFL talent, Stewart’s ranking as one of the top draft prospects speaks volumes about his abilities and the significant role he could play in the professional football landscape.

Stewart’s emergence as a highly touted draft prospect has been years in the making, and his journey to the top of the draft board is a testament to both his raw physical talent and his work ethic. His selection among ESPN’s Top 100 Draft Picks is not just a reflection of his on-field performance but also an indication of the immense potential he holds as a future game-changing force in the NFL.

The Rise of Shemar Stewart: Early Career and High School Days

Shemar Stewart’s journey to Texas A&M—and subsequently, to ESPN’s Top 100 list—began long before he became a household name among college football fans. Originally from Opa-locka, Florida, Stewart played his high school football at Monsignor Pace High School, where he quickly became known for his dominance on the field. Standing at a towering 6’6″ and weighing in at around 270 pounds as a high school senior, Stewart’s frame alone made him an intriguing prospect for college recruiters.

His high school career was filled with accolades, including being named a 5-star recruit and one of the top defensive line prospects in the nation. Stewart’s athleticism, combined with his size and quickness, made him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. During his high school career, he accumulated numerous sacks and tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and put pressure on quarterbacks. His dominance as a defensive end and tackle at the high school level set the stage for his eventual success at the collegiate level.

Stewart’s skill set quickly earned him a spot among the top recruits in the country, and his commitment to Texas A&M was a significant moment for both the program and the young player. The Aggies, known for their strong defense and reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent, provided the perfect environment for Stewart to continue his development.

The Transition to Texas A&M: A Freshman Impact

Shemar Stewart arrived at Texas A&M as one of the most highly anticipated recruits in the 2022 class. Expectations were high for him, and he wasted no time making his presence felt on the field. Stewart’s first year in College Station showed glimpses of the player he would become, as he made an immediate impact along the defensive line.

Despite the adjustment to the speed of the collegiate game, Stewart’s physical attributes translated seamlessly to the college level. In his first season, he was able to use his size, strength, and athleticism to make an impact both as a pass rusher and in stopping the run. His natural ability to shed blockers and penetrate the offensive line allowed him to disrupt plays, and his motor never seemed to slow down. His work ethic and determination were evident from the moment he stepped on campus, earning him the respect of his coaches and teammates.

Stewart’s first season was filled with valuable learning experiences. The jump to SEC competition, with some of the best offensive lines in the country, was a challenge, but Stewart’s raw talent stood out. While his stats weren’t jaw-dropping, the flashes of his potential were undeniable. It was clear that with further development, he could become one of the most disruptive forces in college football.

Development and Breakout Year: Becoming a Dominant Force

Shemar Stewart’s sophomore season at Texas A&M marked the beginning of his breakout year. With a year of experience under his belt, Stewart was able to refine his technique and improve his football IQ, making him even more dangerous along the defensive line. His second year was filled with dominant performances that showcased his unique combination of size, speed, and strength.

What stood out most about Stewart was his ability to control the line of scrimmage. Whether he was lining up at defensive tackle or defensive end, Stewart was able to push through offensive linemen with ease. His strength allowed him to absorb double-teams, and his quickness off the line helped him create consistent pressure on quarterbacks. As a result, he was able to contribute in both the passing and running games, registering numerous tackles for loss and sacks throughout the season.

One of the areas where Stewart made the most progress was in his pass-rushing ability. While he had always been known for his ability to disrupt the run, his development as a pass rusher raised his draft stock considerably. He showed improved technique in using his hands to disengage from blockers and displayed an advanced understanding of how to attack the pocket. Stewart’s ability to generate pressure without needing to rely on speed alone was a key development, as it made him a more complete player on the defensive line.

Stewart’s combination of size and athleticism made him a mismatch for many offensive linemen in the SEC. His ability to overpower blockers and collapse the pocket was a hallmark of his sophomore year, and it was this dominance that put him on the radar of NFL scouts and evaluators. By the end of his second season, Stewart was widely regarded as one of the top defensive line prospects in college football.

Shemar Stewart’s Elite Physical Attributes

What sets Shemar Stewart apart from many of his peers is his physical attributes. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing around 290 pounds, Stewart is a massive presence on the field. His size alone makes him a formidable opponent for offensive linemen, but it’s his athleticism and quickness that truly separate him from the pack.

Despite his size, Stewart has remarkable agility and lateral movement. His ability to move quickly along the line of scrimmage, change direction, and explode off the ball makes him a versatile weapon. His quick first step is often what allows him to blow by offensive linemen, and his ability to bend around the edge as a pass rusher is something that is rarely seen in players of his size.

In addition to his quickness and agility, Stewart possesses tremendous strength. His powerful lower body and ability to generate force from his legs allow him to bull rush offensive linemen with ease. He’s often able to drive blockers backward, disrupting plays before they have a chance to develop. His combination of size, strength, and quickness makes him a nightmare for offensive coordinators, as he is capable of disrupting both the run and pass game.

The NFL Draft: Shemar Stewart’s Potential and Impact

Shemar Stewart’s emergence as one of the top draft picks for the 2025 NFL Draft has solidified his place among the top prospects in the country. His performance at Texas A&M, particularly during his sophomore season, has only enhanced his stock, making him a potential top-10 selection. His blend of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him an ideal fit for a variety of defensive schemes at the next level.

While Stewart’s college production has been impressive, his NFL potential is what has truly caught the attention of scouts. Teams are always looking for players who can disrupt the quarterback, and Stewart’s ability to generate pressure and collapse the pocket makes him a valuable asset. Additionally, his ability to stop the run and play in multiple positions along the defensive line further adds to his appeal.

For NFL teams in need of a game-changing defensive lineman, Stewart is an ideal candidate. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a rare prospect, and his work ethic and passion for the game suggest that he will only continue to improve as he gains experience in the NFL. As a result, Stewart is widely expected to go early in the first round, and many analysts believe he has the potential to become one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.

Texas A&M’s Legacy and Stewart’s Impact on the Program

Shemar Stewart is not only a future NFL star but also an integral part of Texas A&M’s football legacy. The Aggies have long been known for developing elite defensive talent, and Stewart’s rise to prominence only adds to the program’s reputation as a breeding ground for NFL talent. His presence on the roster has been a boon for Texas A&M’s defense, and his impact will be felt for years to come, both on the field and in the NFL.

As one of the top draft prospects in the 2025 class, Stewart represents the culmination of Texas A&M’s efforts to build a championship-caliber defense. His success in college and his projected success at the next level only adds to the Aggies’ pride in their football program.