Overview
Shemar Stewart has been a problem for SEC offenses since he arrived at Texas A&M as the nation’s top-ranked recruit. At 6’6” with legitimate 4.7 speed, Stewart has a physical profile that’s borderline unprecedented for an interior defensive lineman. His junior season has been his best yet, as he’s learned to weaponize those physical tools more consistently.
Stewart is a tweener in the best sense—he can rush from the interior, kick out to defensive end in sub packages, and create mismatches regardless of alignment. That versatility is catnip for NFL defensive coordinators.
Strengths
The length is absurd. Stewart’s arms measure over 35 inches, giving him a massive advantage at the point of attack. He keeps blockers at distance and controls the line of scrimmage with his reach.
Athleticism for his size is rare. He moves like a man 40 pounds lighter, with the lateral agility to pursue plays down the line and the burst to pressure quarterbacks from the interior.
Pass rush potential is significant. He’s still learning to convert his physical tools into production, but the flashes are tantalizing. When he puts it together, he’s unblockable.
Run defense is already NFL-caliber. Stewart eats blocks, occupies multiple gaps, and frees up linebackers to make plays. He’s a space-eater who does the dirty work.
Weaknesses
Consistency remains the biggest question mark. Stewart can dominate one series and disappear the next. The motor runs hot and cold, which is concerning for a player of his caliber.
Pass rush moves are still raw. He wins with athleticism and length rather than refined technique. NFL offensive linemen will be better prepared to handle his physical tools.
Pad level can get too high, allowing smaller blockers to get under him and control the rep. He needs to play with better leverage to maximize his frame.
Hasn’t put together a complete season yet. The talent is obvious, but the production has been sporadic. Teams will need to bet on the tools over the tape.
Bottom Line
Shemar Stewart is a physical unicorn with All-Pro potential, but he’s still figuring out how to be a dominant player rather than just a talented one. The tools are so impressive that a team with strong defensive line coaching should be willing to bet on development.
The Calais Campbell comparison captures what Stewart could become—a versatile, game-wrecking presence who can line up anywhere on the defensive front. Getting there will require better consistency and technical refinement, but the ceiling is worth the investment.