The Cincinnati Bengals were desperate to address their league worst defense heading into this offseason and they were able to take a big step in doing so during the 2025 NFL Draft as they snagged one of the most gifted pass rushers in the entire class in Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart with the 17th overall selection.
With a ridiculous amount of talent possessing both top end strength and athleticism, Stewart is very much a projection for what the Bengals hope he could be as his college sack numbers don’t necessarily align with his measurables. Stewart should see play right away even if he is a bit raw. Despite his lack of production and need to still grow into the position a bit, Steward is still a capable disruptor who offenses cannot ignore in either the passing or running game as he can bully offensive lineman if left unchecked. The Bengals will hope Stewart can produce sooner rather than later as they hope for another Super Bowl push.
Grade: C+