Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart had an eye-opening performance at the NFL Combine, but he left a lot to be desired in the box score
Nick Bosa needs a running mate at EDGE on the opposite side of the defensive line. Since 2019, the San Francisco 49ers have searched for a long-term solution. Dee Ford was productive in pass-rushing situations, as were others, but each year, there is a new name on the defensive line that doesn’t turn out to be long-term. Drake Jackson was selected with the hopes of being Bosa’s running mate, but the results haven’t been there.
The NFL Draft allows the 49ers to address defensive tackle and EDGE, but which spot holds higher priority? There are multiple ways the 49ers can attack this. Defensive tackle in free agency or EDGE in the draft and vice versa. Perhaps drafting Mason Graham and signing Azeez Ojulari is a combination?
The San Francisco 49ers are a team with consistent Super Bowl aspirations. They don’t expect to draft near the top 10 in most years. As such, this year is the perfect time to take a big swing on a gifted developmental prospect at a premium position.
Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart presents a classic case of potential vs. production.
Stewart is a 6’5”, 267-pound athlete with 34-plus inch arms who posted the third-highest relative athletic score by any edge defender over the last 38 years, according to Kent Lee Platte.
Yet, the former 5-star recruit never fully realized his immense upside upon joining the Aggies program with only 4.5 sacks over the last three seasons. Usage in Texas A&M’s scheme certainly played a part. To Stewart’s credit, he was far more disruptive as a pass-rusher this past season. But he’s not a complete prospect by any means.
“Stewart has been one of the biggest risers over the last few months, especially after having an impressive combine, to potentially be the second edge-rusher off the board,” Holder said.
“This pick gives Nick Bosa a running mate, who presents a bright future, and a long-term solution as Leonard Floyd’s eventual replacement.”
I can hear a collective groan from a portion of the fans reading this prediction. Less than five sacks over Stewart’s college career is sure to raise some eyebrows. Following his huge performance at the Combine, Stewart is sure to shoot up draft boards and possibly be over-drafted.
It’s still a good reminder to remember this is simply a mock draft, but Stewart’s soaring stock is no mirage. The question is: Will the 49ers bank on potential over production?