(04-30-2025, 03:13 PM)Synric Wrote: Lack of production is alarming even knowing that Stewart played mostly 6i/5t. He still fell off tackles/sacks was disruptive but wild & tended to play disjointed leading to ending up on the ground. 


Alot of talent but #1 he needs better awareness, control, and eye discipline. Stewart is young and only has about 1200ish snaps in 3 years most of them coming in 2024. 

(05-01-2025, 02:23 PM)higgy100 Wrote: There's not a player in the draft that doesn't need control or better  awareness when jumping up to this level. He was as disruptive a player as there was in college FB last year. There's always the guy in the spotlight that gets the sack, jumps on the loose ball or gets the tackle. But for damn near every time that happens there's another player that caused that disruption. 

He's a freak and he needs to be corraled in and that's exactly what NFL coaching will do. Few guys in the NFL get constant doubled or even chipped and that happened extensively to SS in college. I was ecstatic with this pick. I've known about this kid for 5 years going back to college recruiting and have watched him extensively especially being familiar with the scheme at A&M.

Quote:The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2025 NFL draft with some obvious needs on defense and offensive line.

As a result, the team picked three defensive players and two offensive linemen with its six picks. Talented edge-rusher Shemar Stewart was the team's first-round selection, and gives the team a much-needed potential star on the edge.


In the second, the team added reliable off-ball linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. Knight's impact could be felt immediately, especially if Germaine Pratt's trade request is obliged.

Elsewhere, third-round pick Dylan Fairchild could challenge to start at guard, and Tahj Brooks could carve out a role in the running back rotation.

However, there's one player who seems to be the most likely to make a large impact in his debut campaign - Shemar Stewart.

Gavino Borquez of Newsweek thinks Stewart could make his presence felt immediately on the edge and believes he'll be one of the biggest stand out rookies in the AFC North in 2025. The Texas A&M product dominated at the combine in Indianapolis and has the physical traits to be elite.

Borquez offered the following analysis on Stewart's rookie season:

The Bengals' first-round selection of Stewart received mixed reviews because he's a toolsy player who didn't have the production in college of a first-round player. But the upside is through the roof, as he possesses elite athleticism and strength for a player of his size (6-foot-5 and 267 pounds). Stewart will learn from Trey Hendrickson, who will help unlock his full potential, while defensive coordinator Al Golden will get him up to speed quickly.

As Borquez mentioned, the selection of Stewart received mixed reviews. Stewart never produced much in college, ending with just 4.5 sacks over three seasons.

However, the defender tested like a surefire first-round selection and has everything (other than college production) that teams want in an edge-rusher prospect.


Cincinnati could be the perfect landing spot for Stewart, though. The team has Trey Hendrickson, who is one of the best pass-rushers in the league, meaning opposing offenses won't be able to focus on Stewart.

Additionally, Stewart can learn from Hendrickson how to turn that explosiveness, speed, and strength, into results. Veteran Sam Hubbard retired this offseason, so Stewart should step into a starting role immediately, assuming he can surpass the inconsistent Joseph Ossai.

There have also been rumblings of a Hendrickson trade this offseason. While it would likely benefit Stewart's development to keep the veteran around, a trade could also force Stewart to step up and produce from the beginning.

Either way, Stewart should be in a position to finally start producing those sacks that NFL evaluators are sure he can.

(04-27-2025, 04:27 PM)XsandOs Wrote: Players picked in round 1, after we picked Stewart. Who would you have picked instead of Stewart? Just pointing out the reality of what the Bengals were dealing with.

I see the pick as the BPA pick AND it addresses a position of need.

18. Seattle Seahawks - Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
20. Denver Broncos - Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
22. Los Angeles Chargers - Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
23. Green Bay Packers - Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
24. Minnesota Vikings - Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
25. New York Giants (from HOU) - Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
26. Atlanta Falcons (from LAR) - James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
27. Baltimore Ravens - Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
28. Detroit Lions - Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
29. Washington Commanders - Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
30. Buffalo Bills - Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
31. Philadelphia Eagles (from KC) - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
32. Kansas City Chiefs (from PHI) - Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

(04-29-2025, 12:58 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: McKinnley Jackson sure is excited to be reunited with his former linemate from A&M.

https://atozsports.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals-news/shemar-stewart-mckinnley-jackson-texas-am-teammates-2025-nfl-draft/

(05-06-2025, 11:08 PM)Clark W Griswold Wrote: ESPN spoke with some college coaches about the draft.
Here is what they said about Stewart:

"There's just not that many specimens at that size," an SEC offensive coordinator said.
A Texas A&M source noted that Stewart, who had 13 quarterback hurries the past two seasons, would do well in a locker room filled with veteran players who demanded accountability.
"He'll do whatever you tell him to do," the source said. "So he gets into a place where working and work ethic and preparation and how you play is important, then I think he'll do it."

(05-07-2025, 12:53 AM)CottonHill Wrote: “Veteran players who demand accountability”
“Work ethic and preparation”

The Ravens, Steelers, Eagles would’ve been a great fit, we have none of the above.

(05-07-2025, 12:53 AM)CottonHill Wrote: “Veteran players who demand accountability”
“Work ethic and preparation”

The Ravens, Steelers, Eagles would’ve been a great fit, we have none of the above.

(05-07-2025, 08:16 AM)Sled21 Wrote: GTF out of here with that crap. Are you really trying to sell that Burrow, Chase, Hendrickson et al have no work ethic preparation???