CINCINNATI, OH - The Bengals didn't just draft a pass rusher. They may have landed the future face of their defense. With the 17th overall pick in the Season 33 draft, Cincinnati selected edge rusher Shemar Stewart, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound powerhouse built to disrupt.
It was a pick that spoke volumes, not just about need, but about belief. In Stewart, the Bengals see more than a rotational player. They see a potential franchise anchor.
"We think he has the tools to be special," said one team scout. "The size, the get-off, the length-it's all there."
Elite Tools, Raw Upside
Stewart arrives with elite measurables and flashes of dominance on tape. While his college production at Texas A&M wasn't always consistent, the physical traits were undeniable. He's long, explosive, and aggressive off the edge, and his blend of twitch and power has drawn comparisons to some of the league's top pass rushers. Cincinnati saw the upside and knew it was worth the investment.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo didn't hold back in his praise.
"He fits exactly what we want to do off the edge. The upside is undeniable."
Contract Delays Create Early Buzz
Not everything has gone smoothly since draft night. Stewart made headlines early when he sat out of minicamp, holding off on signing while his camp worked through details in the contract's guarantee structure. As his teammates took the field, Stewart remained on the sideline, working out separately while negotiations continued.
Despite the delay, the Bengals remain confident.
"He's a competitor," said one coach. "Once the ink dries, he'll be out there making noise. No doubt."
Stewart's Role in a Needy Front Seven
Once he's signed, Stewart is expected to contribute right away. The Bengals’ defense last season was steady in some areas but vulnerable in others. They ranked sixth in passing yards allowed per game, giving up just 213.2 through the air. But they struggled to stop the run, finishing 24th with 103.7 rushing yards allowed per game. They allowed 25.6 points per game, ranking 20th in scoring defense, and finished 14th in total yards allowed.
"You look at the tape-teams ran right at us," said one Bengals assistant. "Shemar changes that math."
His arrival adds another piece to a defensive front already featuring Myles Murphy and veterans like Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals aren't asking Stewart to carry the load on his own, but his role will be significant from day one.
Why It Matters More in Cincinnati
The Bengals’ offense remains one of the most dangerous in the league. They led the league in passing yards per game with 288.4 and ranked second in total yardage with 6,098 yards. They averaged 25.2 points per game, good for 10th overall. But they struggled mightily to run the football, finishing last in the league with just 70.3 rushing yards per game.
That imbalance puts additional pressure on the defense to deliver stops, shift field position, and create momentum. Stewart's ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt run lanes could help rebalance a team that otherwise leans heavy on its high-powered passing game.
The Path Ahead
For now, the focus is on getting him signed, settled, and integrated into the system. Training camp is fast approaching, and the Bengals know that if Stewart can live up to his potential, he won't just be a good addition-he'll be a cornerstone.
