Overview

• Shemar Stewart is the first Texas A&M player drafted in the first round since 2022 and the first Aggie pass rusher taken in Round 1 since 2017.
• The Bengals aim to improve their 25th-ranked scoring defense by adding Stewart, whose size and speed stand out at 6'5", 267 pounds.
• Despite recording just 4.5 sacks in three college seasons, Stewart impressed with a perfect 10.00 relative athletic score at the NFL Combine.
• Coaches Zac Taylor and Al Golden emphasized Stewart’s potential as an ascending player, with plans to develop his strengths in both pass-rushing and run defense.
• Stewart could serve as a future replacement for Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals’ star pass rusher, who has requested a trade after seeking a new contract.