'About Finding The Right System' - Former Bengals Defender Dexter Jackson Confident in Shemar Stewart's Potential

Stewart was the Bengals' top pick this past April.

Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart, left, and head coach Zac Taylor, right, pose together ahead of a press conference, Friday, April 25, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati. | Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — Former Cincinnati Bengals safety Dexter Jackson is bullish on 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart's future in Cincinnati.

He discussed the rookie's lack of college production with Roto Grinder’s Ben Mendelowitz. Stewart finished his Texas A&M career with 4.5 sacks in three seasons.

“When you talk about the lack of college production, this can sometimes be down to the college’s system or coach,” Jackson said in the story. “When transitioning to the NFL, it’s about finding the right system, coach, and even the right teammates. If you get drafted to a team that can give you all three of these things, then you can be a perfect fit for that team regardless of the numbers you put up in college.”

Jackson was a stalwart on the Bengals' defense in the 2000s. He played in the NFL from 1999-2008, and those final three years were spent in Cincinnati. Jackson snagged three interceptions as a Bengal.

The former Cincinnati staple identified one key mentor figure that could help Stewart...if he gets back on the field at some point.

“You know the Bengals will put up points on offense, and on the defensive side, [Trey] Hendrickson is a phenomenal player,” Jackson said about the edge rushing hierarchy. “So, if he and Stewart can get after the quarterback on defense, you’re looking at a very dangerous team that can be a favorite to win the Super Bowl.”

"If" is the operative word. It would be very beneficial to have Hendrickson take Stewart under his wing before the season, but the veteran edge rusher hasn't been a part of the offseason program amidst ongoing contract negotiations. On top of that, Stewart is dealing with roadblocks surrounding his Bengals contract.

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