With the NFL Draft just four days away, one expert NFL writer thinks Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart would be the best first round fit for the Arizona Cardinals.
Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron lists Stewart as the best fit for the Cardinals, noting Stewart’s size and length as an “ideal fit” under head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Stewart’s scheme versatility, size and length make him an ideal fit for Jonathan Gannon’s defense. While his production hasn’t always jumped off the stat sheet, he has the tools to become a disruptive presence across multiple alignments. His strength at the point of attack stands out — he posted an 88.2 run-defense grade in 2024 — and that ability could earn him early snaps in Arizona.
The 6-foot-6, 290 pound EDGE is coming off a season where he registered 31 tackles, two passes defensed, two tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 11 games played.
In three seasons with the Aggies, Stewart registered 65 tackles, 4.5 sacks and four passes defensed.
Has Shemar Stewart been mocked to the Cardinals?
Stewart has been projected to land with the Cardinals in the first round 11 times in the Arizona Sports Mock Draft Tracker.
Stewart impressed at the NFL Draft Combine in February, recording a 4.59 time in the 40-yard dash with a 1.58 10-yard split. Stewart’s score of 40″ in the vertical jump and a 10′ 11″ in the broad jump portions of the combine drew comparisons to All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett.
Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart recorded a 1.58-second 10-yard split (4.59o), tied for the second-fastest split by any defender over 265 pounds over the last 15 years.
Stewart has a similar size and athletic profile to Myles Garrett.
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— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) February 28, 2025
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on March 5 that the Cardinals and Stewart met as part of a top 30 visit.
ESPN lists Stewart as the fourth-ranked EDGE in the draft, while PFF sees him as the sixth-best.
When does the NFL Draft begin?
The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft begins on Thursday at 5 p.m. MST. Rounds 2-3 will take place on Friday with the draft wrapping up with rounds 4-7 on Saturday.
