The NFL Draft has been filled with surprises and a lot of uncertainty. With the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals added Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart to their roster.
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While the Bengals could have gone in a few different directions with their selection, they beefed up their defensive line by adding the Texas A&M standout defensive end.
Stewart played three seasons at Texas A&M. He saw action in all three seasons, playing in 37 total games over his three-year college career. He tallied 65 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
On their Night Cap podcast, former NFL players and hosts Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson discussed the Bengals’ decision to select Stewart. Both Sharpe and Johnson said the Bengals didn’t have a choice but to go defense with their first-round pick. “Ya’ll didn’t have no choice but to go defense,” said Sharpe.
“We don’t, we don’t,” said Johnson. “The problem with us is, we can’t beat nobody cause if we score 60 points, the other team scores 65.”
Sharpe then jokingly said the Bengals should draft defense with their second-round pick, as well as the rest of their picks in the draft. Johnson agreed with his partner.
The pick makes sense as the Bengals had one of the worst defenses last season. The Bengals allowed the seventh-most points on defense a season ago (25.5). Their best player on defense, defensive end Trey Hendrickson, is in a contract dispute with the team, so adding Stewart gives them insurance in case he leaves the team next season or is traded.
Fans on social media had mixed reactions to the Bengals’ pick. While some fans didn’t like the pick, it seems as if the majority of fans supported the Bengals’ selection.
first good pick in the draft
— peyton ➫ (@Nix4Sixx) April 25, 2025
Good as we need defense
— DocHolliday (@AngelusHector) April 25, 2025
Bengals just added a beast off the edge. Shemar Stewart in Cincy? That front seven just leveled up.
— Wise (@WiseTroof) April 25, 2025
The 6’5” edge rusher should be at least a rotational defensive end for the Bengals this season. He will have a chance to compete for a starting spot and join a defensive end unit featuring Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai, and Myles Murphy.
Stewart should provide more pass-rush productivity for the Bengals and could learn under Hendrickson’s wing. The Bengals’ next pick will be 49th overall in the second round. Do you think the Bengals will continue to add to their defense, or will they add a player on the offensive side of the ball?
