Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Shemar Stewart: Polarizing NFL Draft Prospect
Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, a formidable defensive end prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft, presents a compelling study in traits versus production. At 6-foot-5 and weighing 267 pounds, Stewart demonstrated exceptional athleticism at the NFL Combine in February, clocking a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, achieving a 40-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot, 11-inch broad jump. Despite these impressive physical attributes, his collegiate sack production raises questions among NFL teams evaluating edge rushers.
Elite Physical Attributes and Combine Performance
Stewart’s combine performance underscored his exceptional physical gifts. His speed and explosiveness for a player of his size are undeniable, positioning him as an intriguing athlete for teams seeking a disruptive presence on the defensive line. Scouts were particularly impressed by his agility and power, evident in his jump measurements and sprint time.
Questionable Sack Production in College
However, a significant point of concern for NFL evaluators is Stewart’s relatively low sack total during his time with the Aggies. In 37 career appearances, he amassed only 4.5 sacks. This figure pales in comparison to other top edge rushers in the draft class. For context, Penn State’s Abdul Carter, considered a consensus top-tier pick, recorded 12 sacks in the previous season alone. This statistical disparity has led some analysts to question whether Stewart can consistently translate his physical tools into on-field quarterback pressures and takedowns at the professional level.
“Traits vs. Production” Debate
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network has described Stewart as “easily the most polarizing edge rusher” in this draft. Jeremiah emphasized the dichotomy between Stewart’s outstanding physical attributes and his limited sack production. “He is the ultimate example of traits versus production,” Jeremiah stated, highlighting Stewart’s “twitch,” explosiveness, and disruptiveness, while noting his struggle to “finish, to compile sacks.”
NFL Teams Weigh Potential Against Production
NFL front offices are now tasked with assessing whether Stewart’s high-level athleticism outweighs his underwhelming sack numbers. The draft process necessitates projecting future potential, considering how a player might develop under professional coaching and within an NFL system. Connor Rogers, a draft analyst for NBC Sports, points out the central question: “How high do coaches and evaluators value that [disruption without consistent sacks]?” when considering a player with Stewart’s physical profile.
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Precedent: High-Ceiling, Low-Floor Prospects
The NFL Draft is replete with examples of physically gifted players whose college statistics didn’t fully reflect their potential. While some evaluators are wary of such prospects, especially in the early rounds, others are willing to gamble on elite traits. History offers both success stories and cautionary tales in this regard.
Success Stories: Odafe Oweh and Travon Walker
Odafe Oweh, another Penn State edge rusher, offers a compelling case study. Despite limited college sack production, his exceptional combine performance prompted the Baltimore Ravens to invest in his potential. Oweh’s transition to linebacker has yielded positive results, demonstrating the payoff of prioritizing traits. Travon Walker, selected first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, similarly exemplifies a traits-based pick that has proven successful. Walker’s collegiate sack numbers were modest, but his athletic upside led to a top selection and subsequent NFL success.
Cautionary Tale: K’Lavon Chaisson
Conversely, K’Lavon Chaisson, formerly of LSU, represents the risk associated with drafting purely on potential. Despite accolades and a first-round selection by Jacksonville, Chaisson has not replicated the NFL success of Oweh or Walker, underscoring the inherent uncertainty in projecting prospects.
Chris Simms’ Perspective: Stewart as a “Safe Pick”
Chris Simms of NBC Sports diverges from concerns about Stewart’s sack production, labeling him “one of the safest picks in the draft.” Simms emphasizes Stewart’s physical dominance, asserting that he will not be “physically overmatched” in the NFL. He further posits that Stewart’s “ceiling has a chance to be one of the greatest players in the history of football,” a testament to his perceived talent.
Rogers on Stewart’s “Freakish Build”
Rogers echoes the sentiment regarding Stewart’s physical gifts, describing his build as “freakish – size, length, athleticism” and marveling at his atypical movement capabilities for his size. These attributes consistently allow Stewart to penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays, even when sacks aren’t the immediate result.
Disruptive Impact: “F— the Play Up”
Simms champions the concept of “disruption as production,” arguing that Stewart’s impact extends beyond sack statistics. He uses a colorful phrase, “‘f— the play up,'” to describe Stewart’s ability to ruin plays and create opportunities for teammates, even if he himself doesn’t always finish with the tackle or sack. Stewart’s presence forces quarterbacks to rush decisions and running backs to alter their paths – quantifiable disruptions that impact game outcomes.
Areas for Improvement: Finishing and Technique
Despite the praise, Stewart’s game is not without areas needing refinement. His missed tackle rate, according to Pro Football Focus, is statistically concerning, highlighting an inconsistency in finishing plays. Rogers also points to the need for Stewart to develop more advanced pass-rushing techniques and hand usage, particularly when confronted with offensive linemen who can neutralize his initial athleticism.
Stewart’s Self-Awareness and Desire to Improve
To his credit, Stewart acknowledges areas for improvement. He specifically cited “finishing plays” as a key focus for his transition to the NFL, indicating a commitment to honing his technique and maximizing his impact when close to the quarterback.
Projected Draft Range and Potential Landing Spots
Draft projections for Stewart place him anywhere from the top 10 picks to the latter part of the first round. Teams like the Bears, Jets, Lions, Chargers, and Packers have been identified by Rogers as potential destinations, suggesting a wide range of teams are considering his potential impact.
Conclusion: High-Risk, High-Reward Prospect
Ultimately, the team that drafts Shemar Stewart will be betting on his immense potential, acknowledging his current limitations in sack production. The decision will hinge on their belief in their coaching staff’s ability to develop his technique, refine his finishing skills, and unlock the “superstar future” that many evaluators believe is within his reach. As Simms concludes, while the sack numbers are a point of discussion, they should not overshadow the significant positive attributes Stewart brings to the table, marking him as a high-potential player with considerable upside.