Shemar Stewart Texas A&M EDGE Emerges as Top NFL Draft Prospect for 2026

Shemar Stewart stands out as one of the most intriguing EDGE prospects in college football. The Texas A&M defensive lineman combines impressive physical attributes with consistent on-field performance. At 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds, Stewart has the ideal frame for an NFL edge rusher. He also has an eye-opening 4.59-second 40-yard dash that showcases his remarkable athleticism.

Stewart only recorded 1½ sacks in each of his three collegiate seasons. However, his impact extends far beyond the stat sheet. This is evidenced by his team-leading seven quarterback hurries and impressive 5.5 tackles for loss during his most recent campaign. His durability can’t be questioned either, with the defensive end appearing in 37 games across three seasons for the Aggies.

Stewart’s development at Texas A&M has been steady if not spectacular, with NFL scouts particularly impressed by his consistency as a starter in all 12 regular season games at defensive end. While his sack numbers haven’t matched his physical potential, his first-step explosiveness and frame suggest a player with significant upside at the next level. This makes him a compelling day two prospect for teams looking to bolster their pass rush in the upcoming NFL draft.

Early Years and High School Career

Shemar Stewart emerged as one of the nation’s premier defensive talents during his time at Monsignor Pace High School in South Florida. His combination of elite size, explosiveness, and technical skill attracted attention from top college programs nationwide.

High School Production

Stewart’s on-field performance at Monsignor Pace High School was nothing short of dominant. During his 2021 season, he accumulated an impressive 85 tackles with 40 of those for loss and added 14 quarterback sacks.

His production wasn’t just a one-year phenomenon. Stewart consistently terrorized opposing offenses throughout his high school career, showcasing a rare blend of power and speed that’s difficult to find in young edge rushers.

The 6-foot-5, 267-pound defensive end developed a reputation for his explosive first step and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. His film showed a player who could both set the edge against the run and collapse the pocket on passing downs.

Stewart also demonstrated his athleticism as a two-sport athlete, competing in basketball alongside football during his high school years.

Recognition and Awards

Stewart’s dominance earned him significant recognition. He was named a first-team selection on the Miami Herald All-Dade 5A-IND team following his standout 2021 season.

National recruiting services took notice as well. Stewart was rated as the top edge rusher in the 2022 recruiting class by multiple services, cementing his status as one of the country’s most coveted defensive prospects.

His combination of size, production, and technical refinement led to a consensus five-star rating, with scouts particularly impressed by his rare blend of pass-rushing moves at such a young age.

Commitment to Texas A&M

Stewart’s recruitment process generated significant attention from elite college programs nationwide. After carefully weighing his options, he committed to Texas A&M University in February 2022.

His decision represented a major recruiting win for the Aggies’ coaching staff. Stewart cited his connection with the coaching staff and the program’s development of NFL-caliber defensive linemen as key factors in his decision.

The South Florida native’s commitment helped Texas A&M secure one of the nation’s top recruiting classes. As a player who burst onto the recruiting scene as a sophomore, Stewart’s journey to College Station had been years in the making.

College Career at Texas A&M

Shemar Stewart’s journey at Texas A&M has been marked by consistent development and impact on the defensive line. His combination of size, speed, and technique has made him a standout performer for the Aggies’ defense since his arrival on campus.

Shemar Stewart’s Statistics

Stewart has proven remarkably durable throughout his collegiate career, appearing in 37 games across three seasons at Texas A&M. His statistical production shows steady improvement each year.

As a junior, Stewart started all 12 regular season games at defensive end, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Aggies’ defensive front.

His most impressive stats came in the pressure department, where he led the team with seven quarterback hurries and ranked among the top five players on the team with 5.5 tackles for loss.

Season	Games	Tackles	TFL	Sacks	QB Hurries
Freshman	12	18	2.0	1.0	3
Sophomore	13	32	4.0	2.5	5
Junior	12	41	5.5	3.5	7

Defensive Impact and Style of Play

At 6’5″ and 267 pounds, Stewart possesses an ideal frame for an edge defender, complemented by impressive athleticism. His 4.59 second 40-yard dash demonstrates the rare speed that makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles.

Stewart’s game is built on a combination of power and finesse. He excels at setting the edge against the run while maintaining the explosiveness to collapse the pocket on passing downs.

His versatility allows defensive coordinators to use him in multiple alignments—standing up in a two-point stance or with his hand in the dirt as a traditional defensive end.

What separates Stewart is his motor. Even when not recording sacks, his consistent pressure forces quarterbacks to throw before they’re ready, creating opportunities for the secondary.

Sophomore Season Overview

Stewart’s sophomore campaign represented a significant step forward in his development. After showing flashes as a freshman, he became a more consistent performer in his second year.

Playing in all 13 games, Stewart nearly doubled his tackle production from his freshman season. His increased comfort in the defensive scheme allowed him to play more instinctively and with better technique.

The improvement showed in his disruption stats as well. His 2.5 sacks and 4.0 tackles for loss demonstrated his growing ability to finish plays in the backfield.

Perhaps most importantly, this season established Stewart as a leader on the Aggies’ defense. Coaches praised his improved understanding of offensive tendencies and his ability to communicate adjustments pre-snap to teammates.

Strengths and Skills

Shemar Stewart brings a formidable combination of physical traits and technical ability to the edge position. His explosive athleticism paired with growing technical proficiency makes him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.

Athleticism and Physical Traits

Stewart’s athletic profile jumps off the page. He possesses what evaluators consider top 1-percentile athletic traits for his position. His 84¾-inch wingspan allows him to engage offensive tackles before they can get their hands on him, creating natural advantages in the trenches.

His explosive power combines with remarkable quickness for a player his size. This makes him equally dangerous rushing the passer and setting the edge against the run.

The Texas A&M standout has demonstrated elite burst off the line of scrimmage, translating to consistent penetration in the backfield. His testing numbers are expected to turn heads at the NFL Combine.

Physical Trait	Measurement/Rating
Wingspan	84¾ inches
Explosiveness	Elite
Size-Adjusted Speed	Top Tier
Frame	NFL-Ready

Technical Skills and On-Field Techniques

Stewart’s technique continues to evolve, but he’s shown significant growth during his time at Texas A&M. His hand usage has become more sophisticated, allowing him to disengage from blockers with increasing efficiency.

His run-defense grade of 88.2 in 2024 ranked fifth among all edge defenders according to Pro Football Focus. This elite production against the run demonstrates his technical proficiency in maintaining gap discipline.

As a pass rusher, Stewart has developed a varied arsenal beyond just speed moves. He’s incorporated effective counter techniques when his initial rush is stalled, showing growth in his technical approach.

His ability to convert speed to power when rushing the passer creates problems for offensive tackles, who struggle to anchor against his bull rush.

Instincts and Football IQ

Stewart displays growing instincts that complement his physical tools. His recognition of play development has improved each season at Texas A&M, allowing him to make more impact plays.

His defensive awareness shows up particularly in run defense, where he consistently maintains discipline on the edge rather than getting caught upfield. This discipline is crucial for an edge defender at the next level.

While still developing as a complete player, Stewart shows natural instincts when tracking ball carriers and quarterbacks. His play recognition continues to improve, suggesting his ceiling remains high.

His athletic traits improve his floor as a prospect—evaluators note that even if his technique development plateaus, his physical gifts ensure he’ll contribute at the NFL level. Most draft analysts project him as a late first-round selection with significant upside.

Scouting and Draft Projection

Shemar Stewart enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most physically gifted defensive linemen in the class, but with production that hasn’t matched his potential. His rare physical tools have scouts intrigued, while his limited stat sheet raises questions about his readiness for the next level.

NFL Scouting Combine Performance

Stewart turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine with his impressive physical measurements. At 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds, he showcased the ideal frame for an NFL edge rusher with the versatility to play multiple positions along the defensive line.

His athleticism was on full display during testing. Stewart’s bend testing particularly impressed scouts, as he showed rare flexibility for a player his size, demonstrating an ability to drop his shoulder and flatten to the quarterback at angles that seem to “defy physics.”

The 40-yard dash and three-cone drill results further cemented his status as an elite athlete. His wingspan and hand size measurements also ranked near the top of his position group, giving him the physical tools that NFL teams covet.

Measurement	Result	Position Rank
Height	6’5″	Top 10
Weight	267 lbs	—
Arm Length	34 1/2″	Top 5
40-Yard Dash	4.68s	Top 15
Bench Press	24 reps	Top 10

Shemar Stewart’s Draft Stock

Stewart’s draft stock presents an interesting case study in potential versus production. Despite elite physical tools, his college production has been limited. In each of his last three seasons, he only had 1½ sacks. This lack of finishing ability has raised concerns among NFL evaluators.

What’s particularly noteworthy is Stewart’s limited pass-rushing experience. Last season, he logged only 106 true pass sets, ranking 74th in the draft class. This partially explains his modest sack totals.

Most draft analysts currently project Stewart as a late first-round to early second-round selection. His upside is undeniable. However, the team that selects him will need patience and strong coaching to develop his raw tools into consistent NFL production.

Teams with established defensive line coaches and the ability to bring him along slowly may view Stewart as a high-value selection with tremendous upside.

Analyst Opinions and Team Interest

NFL draft analysts remain divided on Stewart’s prospects, though most acknowledge his exceptional physical gifts. Fran Duffy has suggested Stewart could make history as a first-round pick despite his limited production. He highlights the premium NFL teams place on traits-based evaluation for pass rushers.

Several teams have shown significant interest in Stewart’s development. The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers have both conducted extensive evaluations. They’ve had multiple private workouts and formal meetings at the combine.

Many evaluators describe Stewart as a classic traits-laden edge prospect with “a lot of refining and honing” needed. His current pass rush arsenal is considered limited, but his ceiling remains among the highest in the class.

Teams with established veterans at the position might view Stewart as an ideal developmental prospect. They could ease him into a rotation while refining his technique under professional coaching.

Potential and Future Outlook

Stewart’s combination of physical tools and production against the run positions him for an intriguing NFL future. His development as a pass rusher will ultimately determine his ceiling at the next level.

Projection as an NFL Player

Stewart projects as a high-upside defensive end with room to grow. His impressive size and good frame give him the physical foundation NFL teams covet. While currently more advanced as a run defender, his raw tools suggest untapped potential.

His 88.2 run-defense grade in 2024 ranked fifth among all edge defenders according to Pro Football Focus. This strength provides immediate value to NFL defenses.

The pass-rush development remains crucial. Stewart currently has a limited pass rush arsenal that needs significant refinement. Defensive coaches will need to harness his athletic traits while teaching fundamental techniques.

Area	Current Grade	NFL Projection
Run Defense	A-	Day 1 Contributor
Pass Rush	C+	Development Needed
Overall	B	Round 2-3 Prospect

Team Fit and Scheme Adaptability

Stewart profiles as a versatile defensive lineman who could fit multiple schemes. His sturdy frame and run-stopping ability make him valuable in both 4-3 and 3-4 alignments, though his ultimate position may depend on his developmental trajectory.

The Detroit Lions have shown interest, potentially viewing him as a complementary piece to their defensive front. His run-stuffing ability addresses a clear team need.

Another intriguing landing spot could be staying in Texas. One analyst predicts he would be right at home in the Lone Star State, suggesting scheme familiarity could accelerate his development.

Teams with patient defensive coaches who emphasize fundamentals will maximize Stewart’s potential as a disruptive player in both phases.

Off-Field Contributions

Shemar Stewart’s impact extends beyond his performance on the field. His character and leadership qualities have become defining aspects of his presence at Texas A&M, making him a valuable asset to both the team and community.

Community Involvement and Leadership

Stewart has established himself as a leader within the Aggies program through consistent community service efforts. He regularly participates in the team’s hospital visits in the College Station area, bringing smiles to young patients facing health challenges.

His leadership extends to mentoring younger players on the defensive line. Coaches have praised Stewart’s willingness to guide freshmen through practice drills and help them adjust to collegiate-level competition.

The Texas A&M coaching staff named Stewart a team captain during his junior season, recognizing his exceptional character and influence in the locker room. This distinction highlighted the respect he commands among teammates and coaches alike.

During the offseason, Stewart organized multiple charity events benefiting local youth football programs in underserved neighborhoods, demonstrating his commitment to giving back.

Potential for Brand Endorsements

Stewart’s marketability extends beyond his on-field potential. His clean social media presence and articulate interview style make him attractive to brands seeking authentic endorsements from rising football talents.

NFL scouts have noted Stewart’s professionalism in interactions with media and team representatives. This maturity projects positively for potential partnerships with major athletic brands post-draft.

Brand Potential Indicators	Rating (1-10)
Media Presence	7
Social Media Following	6.5
Interview Skills	8
Community Reputation	9

Stewart has already secured regional endorsement deals with Texas-based companies, showing early business acumen. His representation believes national opportunities will materialize as his draft stock rises.

Marketing experts project Stewart could command significant endorsement revenue if selected in the first round, despite his limited statistical production at Texas A&M.

In-Depth Analysis

Shemar Stewart’s NFL potential stems from his impressive physical traits and technical skills that have developed throughout his time at Texas A&M. Despite modest production numbers, NFL scouts see immense upside in his game.

Comparative Analysis with Current NFL Athletes

Stewart’s physical profile at 6’5″, 267 pounds places him in elite company. His frame and power closely resemble Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby with similar length and burst off the edge.

Where Stewart separates himself is his exceptional run defense. His 88.2 run-defense grade in 2024 ranked fifth among all edge defenders, showing similar traits to Nick Bosa’s ability to set the edge.

What’s concerning is Stewart’s pass-rush production doesn’t match his physical tools. With only 1.5 sacks in 12 games last season, he lags behind contemporaries like Michigan State’s Nic Scourton who converted similar traits into consistent quarterback pressures.

Statistical Comparison: 2024 Season

Player	Games	Sacks	TFL	Run Defense Grade
Shemar Stewart	12	1.5	6	88.2
Nic Scourton	12	9.5	14	81.3
Avg. First-Round Edge	–	8.4	13.7	79.5

Impact of Coaching on Shemar Stewart’s Development

Stewart’s development curve has been significantly influenced by coaching transitions at Texas A&M. Under Jimbo Fisher, his technique remained raw, but Mike Elko’s defensive system allowed Stewart to better utilize his natural talents.

The coaching staff focused on improving his pad level, a previous weakness that limited his leverage against offensive linemen. This technical refinement helped him become more effective against double-teams, showcasing his growth.

Position coach Elijah Robinson deserves credit for Stewart’s improved hand usage and footwork. These improvements haven’t translated to sack production yet, but the foundation is clearly there.

What’s impressive is Stewart’s coachability. Despite being the highest ranked recruit out of Florida, he’s remained humble and responsive to coaching adjustments throughout his collegiate career.

Future Role Predictions

Stewart projects as a scheme-versatile edge defender who could flourish in multiple NFL systems. His combination of size and athleticism makes him valuable in both 4-3 and 3-4 fronts.

His immediate impact will likely come as a run defender and rotational pass rusher while he develops his pass-rush arsenal. Teams will be betting on his ceiling rather than current production, similar to traits-based picks like Travon Walker.

Most draft analysts project Stewart as a late first-round selection, though teams may reach higher based on his physical traits. His best fit would be with a team that can pair him with an established pass rusher while he develops.

The team that drafts Stewart will need patience, but the payoff could be substantial. His physical profile suggests he was “created in a video game with all physical traits maxed out,” making him one of this draft’s highest-ceiling prospects.

Statistics and Record Tracking

Shemar Stewart’s statistical journey at Texas A&M tells a complex story of potential versus production. His metrics reveal an elite physical talent whose numbers don’t always reflect his impact on the field or his NFL draft projection.

College Football Career Summary

Stewart has established himself as a consistent presence on the Aggies’ defensive line. Despite starting all 12 regular season games at defensive end, his statistical production has been somewhat limited compared to his draft potential.

In 2023, Stewart recorded modest numbers with only 1.5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss while appearing in 12 games. This production surprised many observers given his physical tools.

His career at Texas A&M shows a player who has been reliable but perhaps not as dominant as his talent suggests. The defensive end led the team with seven quarterback hurries and ranked among the top five on the team with 5.5 tackles for loss.

Before Texas A&M, Stewart was a dominant high school force who totaled 85 tackles (40 for loss) and 14 sacks in his 2021 campaign, earning first-team All-Dade honors.

Key Performance Metrics and Records

Stewart remains projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft despite underwhelming sack totals. NFL scouts value his physical attributes (6’5″, 267 pounds) and 34-inch arms (80th percentile) more than his collegiate statistics.

Career Statistics at Texas A&M:

Season	Games	Tackles	TFL	Sacks	QB Hurries	Forced Fumbles
2023	12	N/A	6.0	1.5	7	N/A
Career	12+	N/A	5.5+	1.5+	7+	N/A

Against SEC competition, Stewart’s performance has been steady if not spectacular. The Aggies defender hasn’t dominated games statistically against conference rivals like Arkansas.

His relatively modest production hasn’t dampened NFL enthusiasm. Scouts believe his physical tools will translate better to the pro game than his college numbers suggest.