Overview

• The Cincinnati Bengals selected edge rusher Shemar Stewart 17th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft to address their 25th-ranked defense from 2024.
• Stewart, a Texas A&M product, is praised for his elite size, length, speed, and explosiveness, though his modest 4.5 career college sacks raise questions about his production.
• Draft analysts issued mixed but mostly positive grades for the pick, with evaluations ranging from an A by SB Nation to a B- by USA Today and Deadspin.
• The Bengals also added guard Dylan Fairchild and linebacker Barrett Carter in later rounds to improve depth on both sides of the ball.
• Stewart’s selection aligns with Cincinnati’s need to develop defensive talent as the team navigates Trey Hendrickson’s uncertain future and salary-cap challenges.