Cincinnati locked in Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart at No. 17 — but Detroit may have tried to snag him first.
The Cincinnati Bengals may have beat out several teams, including the Detroit Lions, to secure Texas A&M pass rusher Shemar Stewart with the 17th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The rising defender was a polarizing pre-draft prospect — but at least one NFC contender was reportedly ready to move up for him.
Bengals Take Shemar Stewart Amid NFL Draft Rumors Swirling
Shemar Stewart entered the draft as one of the most intriguing edge defenders: explosive off the line, long-armed, disruptive — yet he logged just 1.5 sacks in his final college season despite generating 39 quarterback pressures.
Still, that upside made him a hot commodity.
Lions Linked to Shemar Stewart in NFL Draft Trade Talks
According to Mike Payton of A to Z Sports, the Detroit Lions may have attempted to trade up specifically for Stewart.
“I think the Lions tried to trade up for Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart,” wrote Payton. He cited a comment from Lions GM Brad Holmes:
“There were times we made attempts to get one, and you just – they got picked before, you couldn’t get up. It takes two to trade.”
That vague comment, combined with Detroit’s history of drafting players they bring in for top-30 visits, points to Stewart. Of the edge rushers the Lions hosted, Stewart was the only one widely projected to go in Round 1.
Stewart Was on Multiple First-Round Draft Boards
It wasn’t just Detroit. League sources say Stewart was considered by both the 49ers at No. 11 and the Cowboys at No. 12. Ultimately, Cincinnati pounced at pick No. 17.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and the front office clearly saw the traits to develop a dominant edge presence.
Lions Draft Tyleik Williams Instead
Detroit pivoted and selected Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams — another top-30 visitor — later in the first round. Still, the interest in Stewart hints that Detroit wanted more explosion off the edge.
What Stewart Brings to Cincinnati
Stewart adds athleticism and flexibility to a Bengals defensive front that needed juice. While sack totals were low in college, his tape shows bend, burst, and a knack for disrupting plays before they develop.
He’ll likely rotate early with veterans while refining his pass-rush counters.
FAQ: NFL Draft Rumors Shemar Stewart Bengals
Why did the Bengals draft Shemar Stewart in the first round?
Despite low sack numbers, Stewart’s athletic profile and quarterback pressure rate made him a high-upside pick.
Did the Lions try to trade up for Shemar Stewart?
According to A to Z Sports, Detroit showed interest and made calls to move up, with Stewart likely being the target.
What pick did the Bengals use on Shemar Stewart?
Cincinnati selected him at No. 17 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
What are the expectations for Shemar Stewart as a rookie?
ESPN projects fewer than 10 sacks in his first three seasons, but the Bengals believe he can exceed those expectations with development.
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