NY Jets 'keeping close tabs' on boom-or-bust edge rusher with major red flags

The New York Jets have been linked to a wide variety of prospects in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft. Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou and Penn State tight end Tyler Warren continue to dominate mock draft projections, but they aren't the team's only feasible targets.

One name that hasn’t generated nearly as much buzz in Jets circles is Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart. Despite the lack of public hype, the Jets seem to be doing their homework on the former five-star recruit.

ESPN's Rich Cimini reported on Sunday that the Jets are "keeping close tabs" on Stewart after meeting with him at his pro day last month. The 21-year-old is notably an alum of the same school as Jets head coach Aaron Glenn.

Stewart's stock skyrocketed after a stellar performance at the NFL Combine, where he posted a perfect 10.0 Relative Athletic Score (RAS). He ranks as the most athletic edge rusher prospect out of 2,012 evaluated between 1987 and 2025.

The physical tools are undeniably impressive, but there are also significant red flags associated with his profile as an NFL prospect.

The NY Jets should be wary of the Shemar Stewart hype

At 6-foot-5, 267 pounds, Stewart ran an absurd 4.59 40-yard dash, and that explosiveness absolutely shows up on tape. Stewart rushes like a bull in a china shop, for better or worse. He fires out of his stance with violent intent, generating immediate disruption with his power and raw athleticism.

He’s capable of collapsing pockets quickly and can bend around the edge with surprising flexibility for someone his size. Stewart flashes the kind of tools that could make him a force against both the pass and the run, but his game still needs refining to fully unlock that potential.

The most obvious red flag that sticks out with Stewart is his college production. The Florida native never recorded more than 1.5 sacks in a single season. That’s not just lackluster production — that’s nearly nonexistent production.

Stewart's film paints the picture of a more disruptive player than those numbers might indicate. Stewart led Texas A&M with 39 pressures in 2024, proving that he has the ability to get after the quarterback on a consistent basis.

His biggest issue continues to be his finishing ability. Stewart's lack of sack production wasn't due to an inability to get into opposing backfields. The problem has been his ineptitude with finishing plays.

Stewart posted an abysmal 26.9 percent missed tackle rate during his three years at Texas A&M. For context, Will McDonald was the only Jets defender with a worse rate in 2024 — and he ranked dead last among all NFL edge rushers.

The Jets don't need another project edge rusher who struggles to finish plays, both as a pass rusher and in run defense. His upside is undeniable, but there's significant risk with drafting a player like Stewart.

Some NFL team will be willing to bet on that upside with the hope that their coaching staff could unlock his true potential. The Jets would probably be better off going in a different direction.

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