Bengals’ Shemar Stewart has unprecedented path to return to Texas A&M for college football
Shemar Stewart’s journey from a highly touted recruit to a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is a testament to his exceptional talent and the strategic decisions that shaped his path. Despite a college career that didn’t fully showcase his potential, Stewart’s physical attributes and the circumstances surrounding his development have made him one of the most intriguing prospects in recent memory.
Standing 6’5″ and weighing 267 pounds, Stewart possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and agility. His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine further solidified his status as a top prospect, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.59 seconds and a vertical leap of 40 inches, surpassing those of notable wide receivers like Julio Jones and Odell Beckham Jr. These metrics placed him in the 99th percentile among NFL Combine participants, drawing comparisons to elite pass rushers such as Jevon Kearse and Myles Garrett.
However, Stewart’s college statistics tell a different story. Over three seasons at Texas A&M, he accumulated just 4.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. This modest production raised questions among scouts and analysts about his readiness for the NFL. Yet, many believe that his underwhelming college numbers were a result of the defensive schemes employed at Texas A&M, which often positioned Stewart in roles that prioritized occupying blockers over rushing the passer. This strategic deployment limited his opportunities to showcase his pass-rushing abilities.
Stewart’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft after his junior year was influenced by several factors. He expressed gratitude towards his coaches, including the late Terry Price, who played a pivotal role in his recruitment and development. Stewart acknowledged the challenges he faced during his college tenure but emphasized his readiness to take the next step in his professional journey.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Stewart with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling their confidence in his potential. Despite his limited college production, the Bengals were attracted to his physical attributes and the belief that with proper coaching and development, Stewart could become a dominant force on the defensive line.
As Stewart transitions into his professional career, the key will be harnessing his raw athleticism and translating it into consistent on-field performance. With the right coaching and system fit, he has the potential to become one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL. His story serves as a reminder that sometimes, untapped potential can lead to unprecedented success when given the right opportunities and support.
