Notes From Training Camp 2025

[*ochocincos*]

(Yesterday, 05:16 PM)QueenCity Wrote: Shemar doesn't need to have 7+ sacks to be successful.  I've always been a huge proponent of pressures and QB knockdowns... which I think he can do in spades.

I beg to differ.

In order of importance, a sack is better than a hit, a hit is better than a pressure, a pressure is better than no pressure.

Stewart's total pressures by year, according to PFF:
2022 - 14
2023 - 22
2024 - 39

Let's compare those to some of the other premiere DEs in his draft class.

James Pierce Jr (went 26th overall):
2023 - 46
2024 - 55

Donovan Ezeiruaku (went 44th overall):
2022 - 35
2023 - 25
2024 - 60

Mike Green (went 59th overall):
2023 - 27
2024 - 56

Stewart was taken primarily off his athletic ceiling, which is higher than all these other guys, but his production in college was lower than pretty much all the other dudes in discussion with him to be a 1st-2nd round selection.

And while there are guys who do get paid a good amount for a lot of pressures (like Carl Lawson did), it's the high sack guys who really get the recognition and are considered the best of the best.

Regardless though, you want your DEs to both get 7+ sacks and your 3T to get 6+ sacks if you want to consider your DL to have even a decent pass rush.
And if your 1st round DE can't frequently get to 7 sacks, were they worth taking 1st round?
I'm (trying to be) hopeful Stewart can get to at least Hubbard/Michael Johnson level of sack production, but I don't have confidence he'll get there this year or next.
I think he's a few years away from making a big impact as a pass rusher.