Shemar Stewart calls out doubters, warns NFL GM's at Senior Bowl

Shemar Stewart is his own best salesman. On Tuesday, the Texas A&M defensive lineman provided an unforgettable answer when asked where he should be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

“If I was a GM I would take me with the highest pick you’ve got,” Stewart said. “You don’t wanna miss this.”

Most NFL scouts don’t need the extra motivation. There’s been no shortage of pre-draft buzz around the 6-foot-6, 290-pound standout. Stewart tallied 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble this past season for the Aggies.

For his efforts, he was named an All-SEC Third-Team selection. Despite Stewart’s success at the collegiate level, there are still some analysts who doubt Stewart is ready for the next level. Stewart doesn’t mind the naysayers.

“I am everything people say I’m not. People say I can’t pass rush. People say I’m not physical. People say I can’t make plays. So that’s what I’m here to do,” Stewart said. “I’m not going to get mad. I’m not going to get mad about criticism, you know. All I’ve gotta do is just get better.”

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper is a staunch believer in Stewart’s game. He ranked Stewart as the No. 21 prospect in his latest NFL draft Big Board. Although Kiper understands some other analysts’ concerns about Stewart, he believes the Aggies’ star has the potential to be a significant contributor in the NFL.

“Stewart is still a little raw and inconsistent as a pass rusher, but his physical traits are off the charts,” Kiper wrote. “I could definitely see him rising up the board as we get closer to the draft; he is going to test well in pre-draft events. He has quickness and power, and he’s going to continue developing. And his scheme versatility is a bonus.”

Kiper isn’t the only one who’s been blown away by Shemar Stewart’s physical attributes. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein also raved about Stewart in his draft profile.

“Stewart is carved from granite, possessing a rare blend of traits, explosiveness and untapped upside,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s long and sudden off the snap but hasn’t learned to weaponize his hands to control the point of attack and bypass protection with go-to moves.

“His bull-rush compresses the pocket off the edge, and he’s too athletic for guards when reduced inside. He can be very disruptive in both phases but requires additional training to start converting his opportunities into finishes… While the boom-or-bust label might be in play, it feels like a matter of time before it all starts to click at a high level.”