The Cincinnati Bengals have selected Shemar Stewart, the pass rusher out of Texas A&M who absolutely dominated the NFL combine this year. Here’s everything you need to know.

Stats & Accolades

• 2022:. Played in 12 games with six starts (23 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks).
• 2023: Played in 13 games with one start (11 tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups, blocked kick).
• 2024: Started 12 games (31 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two pass breakups, forced fumble).

What the Bengals are getting:

Stewart is this year’s biggest size-weight-speed freak who blew the doors off of this year’s NFL Combine. At the same time, he’s one of the class’ biggest question marks as his sack total from three seasons with the Aggies is almost non-existent (4.5 sacks in 680 pass rush snaps). Lack of finishing is his biggest red flag as he missed 26.9 percent of his career tackle attempts. But even with all of these unfortunate stats, Stewart is still a one-of-one type of athlete most NFL franchises would love to get their hands on. Defensive linemen who are 6’5 and 270 pounds do not often run 4.59 in the 40-yard dash and they certainly don’t jump 40 inches in the vertical. If an NFL team can unlock his fullest potential, they’re getting the steal of the draft. If they can’t, history will look back on the decision in a much different light.

Strengths

• This year’s biggest freak athlete with an insane combination of size, speed, and strength
• Has the size and athleticism to play up and down the defensive front
• Excellent at setting the edge playside on runs before slamming the door
• Athleticism makes him a mismatch for interior blockers
• Has the range to chase down runs from the backside
• Anchors with a wide, study base to halt would-be blockers in their place

Weaknesses

• Almost an unbelievable lack of production compared to his physical traits
• Had a missed tackle rate of 26.9 percent
• Struggles to gather himself before tackle attempts
• Transition between pass rush moves is clunky

Athletic Testing

• Height: 6’5
• Weight: 267 pounds
• 40-yard dash: 4.59 seconds
• 10-yard split: 1.58 seconds
• Vertical jump: 40 inches
• Broad jump: 10 feet, 11 inches
• 3-cone drill: N/A
• Short shuttle: N/A
• Bench Press: N/A