Shemar Stewart, a rookie defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s quickly forming a reputation as one of the best defensive guys in the NFL. Selected as the 17th overall pick in the 2025 draft, Stewart has already demonstrated his potential despite facing significant challenges early in his career.
Stewart sat out all of the offseason workouts, and first week of training camp, due to a holdout on his rookie deal. McPherson eventually did sign with the Bengals — on July 27. Since that day, he has been grabbing eyes by the handful with dazzling practice displays. At a towering 6-foot-5, Stewart’s athleticism has blown every possible projection out of the water and developed him into a dangerous edge rusher.
Stewart’s desire to come out and prove his worth has showed through during practice sessions. He may have had to prove doubters wrong from the get-go, but six picks for haters and counting, Kelly ain’t done yet. And the fans weren’t exactly the most welcoming to me,” he said. I’m damn certain that wouldn’t have been the case wherever else I traveled. So I really think it’s business as usual… So I just want to come in, do my part this year and definitely just prove myself right.”
In one recent 11-on-11 team drill, Stewart made his presence felt by getting a clean run at quarterback Joe Burrow. His impressive competitive nature led to ample first-team defensive reps. That experience guaranteed him a spot on the roster.
Orlando Brown Jr., a teammate and veteran lineman, praised Stewart’s natural abilities, stating, “In terms of his ability naturally to be able to bend, his speed, he’s got an extremely rare combination.” He added that with further refinement of his technique, Stewart could become one of the best players in the league: “To me, he’s going to be one of the best in the league once he gets it down.”
It’s obvious that Stewart’s training regimen is a testament to his dedication to being the best. He just completed an advanced workout that really pushed him. This included three sets of 120-yard sprints, then two 100-yard sled pushes down the field. This concentrated development has helped him grow tremendously as he continues to adjust to the level of competition at the highest level of football.
As Stewart’s former Texas A&M teammate, McKinnley Jackson has written about the impact Stewart has already made on the team in a recent blog post. “He’s always been a professional,” Jackson said. He further expressed pride in Stewart’s growth into a professional athlete: “I’ve known this guy since he was 18 years old. Having the perspective to see him now as a man, I am so proud that even as a professional that his integrity really shines.”
So even while fully cognizant of the high-stakes performance trap he’s in, Stewart insists that his one true motivation is the deeply personal kind. I’m not here to show anyone up, except for myself and my family, State of play, indeed, he said. Though simple, his words carried a profound truth and level of self-awareness and determination.
His track record at Texas A&M indicated upside, as he recorded 4.5 total sacks in three seasons. He is well aware that developing his technique will be key to turning pressures into sacks at the NFL level. He’s adjusting to and flourishing inside the Bengals’ system. All of us are convinced that his great potential will finally be put to use any day now.
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