The college football regular season has concluded, and teams are preparing for bowl games while players across the nation decide their futures. At Texas A&M, several players with NFL potential are expected to declare for the draft in the coming weeks. The first of these is defensive end Shemar Stewart, who has announced his decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft via social media.
Shemar Stewart Declares for the Draft
In a heartfelt announcement, Stewart expressed gratitude for his time at Texas A&M while stating it was the right moment to pursue his NFL dream. “It’s with a heart full of gratitude and emotion that I announce my decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft,” Stewart wrote. “This decision marks a pivotal step in my journey, and while it’s bittersweet to leave behind such a special chapter of my life, I know it’s the right time to move forward and chase the dreams I’ve worked so hard to achieve.”
Despite modest production—1.5 sacks per season during his three years at Texas A&M—Stewart is widely regarded as a first-round prospect in early mock drafts.
Why Shemar Stewart is a First-Round Prospect
Shemar Stewart’s status as a top draft prospect stems from his elite physical traits rather than statistical production. At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, he has the size and versatility to dominate as an edge rusher in the NFL. His frame allows him to overpower offensive tackles and even slide inside on certain downs, adding valuable flexibility that many teams covet.
Stewart’s combination of speed, twitchiness, and power sets him apart. His long arms enable him to maintain separation from blockers, helping him to stay free on the edge while his athleticism allows him to turn the corner or exploit offensive linemen who overcompensate for his power. Comparisons to Travon Walker’s pre-draft rise have fueled buzz around Stewart as a player with untapped potential.
Areas for Improvement
While Stewart’s physical gifts are undeniable, his college production raises some questions. Critics note his inconsistent motor, particularly on early downs, where he has been observed taking plays off. Additionally, his control issues sometimes lead to missed tackles, both in the run game and when pressuring quarterbacks. These lapses often see him fly into the backfield without securing the play, allowing quarterbacks to escape.
Despite these concerns, Stewart’s potential ceiling makes him an attractive option for NFL teams. He’s likely to land late in the first round, where playoff-bound teams seeking an impactful pass rusher will gamble on his elite traits and developmental upside.