Look: NFL History Very Kind To Athletic Marvels Like Shemar Stewart

A good group to be mixed in with.

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (DL68) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — History says Shemar Stewart has a solid chance of being a Pro-Bowler or longtime player in the NFL. The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. ran down the 11 names in the Relative Athletic Score database to post a 9.8/10 RAS in the pre-draft process at at least 260 pounds and eight of those players were hits.

Stewart is one of the 11-most athletic defensive ends the metric has ever seen, slotting in with a 10/10 alongside 10 other talents since 1987.

The big misses include the Bengals' 2017 third-round pick Jordan Willis, 2021 Dolphins' first-round pick Jaelan Phillips, and the Seahawks' 2022 second-round pick Boye Mafe. Willis is the only one of the three to not amass double-digit Approximate Value in his career so far.

“It could be multiple reasons," Stewart said about posting just 4.5 sacks in college. "My first two years, I didn’t play as much. And this past year, I was getting there, but at the same time, just technical things along the way to the quarterback that I need to refine. And of course, just wrapping up the quarterback once I get there. It’s not like I can’t get there. I led the team in pressures. We also had the best defensive line in the SEC in my opinion. It was just minor technical difficulties on my end.”

The Bengals took a risk on Thursday night, but athleticism has shown to be a good thing to bet on. We will find out if it's the right path over the next few seasons.

Talked about Stewart on the show this afternoon.

Here are the 9.8 RAS or better edges weighing at least 260 picked over the last 10 years.

Lots and lots of hits. It may take a year and lack of production is very concerning, but this is good company. pic.twitter.com/3orE2OAjVV

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) April 25, 2025

Shemar Stewart was drafted in round 1 pick 17 in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 10.00 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 2029 DE from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/CX9z2WcL7t pic.twitter.com/c3UP2fDFZX

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 25, 2025

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