Bengals' Shemar Stewart is expert's 'biggest head-scratching pick'

By now, the subject of the Cincinnati Bengals drafting Shemar Stewart in Round 1 has largely run its course.

Instead, the conversation shifted to why Stewart wasn’t practicing with the team at rookie minicamp while waiting to get his contract signed.

But in another major draft review, ESPN’s Jordan Reid looped back to the discussion when asked for his most head-scratching pick of the 2025 draft:

“Edge rusher Shemar Stewart to the Bengals (No. 17). I thought the Bengals would pursue a more proven finisher off the edge. Stewart is a risky gamble for a team that has to find immediate impact players opposite Trey Hendrickson. Stewart has impressive traits, but he had only 4.5 sacks in three college seasons.”

With Stewart, again, it comes down to the traits vs. production debate. The Bengals are all-in on his traits and hope that, besides him, names like Myles Murphy can step up next year alongside Trey Hendrickson — all within a newish scheme from new coordinator Al Golden.

There wasn’t a ton of other names for the Bengals in this area by No. 17, either. James Pearce had some question marks around his stock and fell to No. 26, while another often-mentioned name like Mike Green fell to No. 59.

The long-term hindsight will say the most about the Bengals picking Stewart, but it’s a little surprising to see it listed alongside the likes of say, the Browns drafting both quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel (No. 94) and Shedeur Sanders.

This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ Shemar Stewart is expert’s ‘biggest head-scratching pick’

Bengals’ Shemar Stewart is expert’s ‘biggest head-scratching pick’

Tags: