Bengals Draft Shemar Stewart, Bolstering Defense with 17th Pick

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Cincinnati Bengals added to their defensive lineup by selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night.

Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 290 pounds, Stewart is recognized for his impressive physicality and athleticism. He recorded 1.5 sacks and 31 tackles last season for the Aggies, but analysts believe his potential far exceeds his collegiate statistics.

ESPN draft analyst Steve Muench praised Stewart’s explosive speed, noting that his film demonstrated greater ability than his college production. “He is a physical and explosive player who gets off the ball well,” Muench commented. “He uses his long arms effectively to disengage from blockers.”

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor expressed confidence in Stewart’s fit for the team. “We anticipate getting a lot of production out of him,” he said following the selection. Taylor emphasized that Stewart’s work ethic and play style would make him a valuable addition to the Bengals’ locker room.

The selection comes at a time of uncertainty for the Bengals’ defensive ends, as Sam Hubbard recently announced his retirement, and Pro Bowl player Trey Hendrickson‘s future with the team remains unclear due to trade talks.

Stewart, with a notable 40-inch vertical leap and a 4.59-second 40-yard dash time, was seen as one of the top pass-rushers available. He previously impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, further enhancing his draft stock.

Although Stewart was initially certain he would go to the Dallas Cowboys at pick No. 12, he expressed excitement about joining the Bengals. “Y’all just need a little, umph. I’m here to give you a little push up across the line, you feel me?” he said during a phone call from the draft stage in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

New defensive coordinator Al Golden referred to Stewart as an “ascending player,” highlighting the potential he brings. Golden noted the unique versatility Stewart offers, capable of playing both over guards and in space.

As the Bengals move forward into the 2025 season, they hold six total picks in the draft after trading a seventh-round selection for running back Khalil Herbert last year.

“This is a guy who is barely 21 after three seasons,” Golden said. “If he keeps working, the production will come.”