For the past few seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals have been defined by their high-powered offense, with Joe Burrow leading one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the league.
As electric as their offense has been, their defense has struggled to keep pace. A lack of playmakers outside of Trey Hendrickson in the pass rush left Cincinnati vulnerable, and it played a major role in the team missing the playoffs for the second straight year.
With a new defensive coordinator set to take over, the Bengals are expected to make major upgrades on that side of the ball this offseason.
One way they may address that issue is through the 2025 NFL Draft, where a recent mock projects them to land a potential game-changer: Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart.
A former five-star recruit, Stewart has all the physical tools teams covet at the next level. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 281 pounds, he possesses a rare blend of speed and power that makes him an intriguing defensive line prospect.
His versatility is another major selling point-he can play both inside and outside, giving Cincinnati much-needed flexibility along the front four. However, while his physical attributes jump off the page, his production has been underwhelming, registering just 1.5 sacks in each of the past three seasons.
That’s a key concern teams will need to evaluate, but the upside remains undeniable.
“Stewart is a tough evaluation. He checks every box, from his 6-foot-5, 281-pound size to his speed and power. But he had only 1.5 sacks in each of the past three seasons. That’s something teams must dig in on in the coming months,” ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote in his recent mock draft. “If the Bengals can unlock that next-level talent, he’d give them inside-outside pass-rush ability.”
If Cincinnati were to draft Stewart, he would slot in as an ideal complement to Hendrickson, forming a duo that could help the Bengals finally generate consistent pressure.
Hendrickson, who has been carrying the Bengals’ pass rush, desperately needs a running mate who can take some of the attention off him. Stewart’s ability to line up at multiple spots could allow Cincinnati to move him around and create more favorable matchups.
Additionally, with a new defensive coordinator implementing fresh schemes, Stewart could be developed into the disruptive force many expected him to be coming out of high school.
Cincinnati understands that competing in the AFC means being able to rush the passer effectively. With quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson standing in their way, a stronger defensive front is a necessity, not a luxury.
If Stewart’s pass-rushing ability can be unlocked at the next level, this pick could prove to be a game-changing addition for a Bengals defense that needs to take a major step forward in 2025.
