2025 NFL Draft Stunner: Cincinnati Bengals Pick Shemar Stewart

In a move that caught many people off guard, the Cincinnati Bengals chose Defensive End Shemar Stewart in the first round of the NFL Draft. Many expected the team to shore up their offensive line or go after another playmaker on offense. But instead, they went all-in on defense. Stewart, coming out of Texas A&M, brings size, explosiveness, and a bunch of upside. The Bengals believe he can grow into a dominant force on the edge.

Betting on Upside, Not the Safe Pick

Shemar Stewart is not the most technically refined player in this class, but the tools are undeniable. He is six-foot-five and weighs close to 270 pounds. He moves like a much smaller man. His burst off the line and natural strength give him a chance to be a game-wrecker.

The concerns are about his instincts and play recognition. Sometimes he plays too fast and can take himself out of position. But Cincinnati seems willing to be patient with him. Stewart is not coming in to be a savior right away. He will be part of a rotation early on while he gets used to the speed and complexity of the pro game. The Bengals are looking at the long-term picture.

New Defensive Era Under Al Golden

With Lou Anarumo no longer running the defense, he was let go earlier this year after the team missed the playoffs. The Bengals are entering a new chapter on that side of the ball. Al Golden, who was the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, is now running the show. He is not new to the Bengals either. He used to coach linebackers, so he already knows the team and the culture.

Golden’s arrival signals a shift in how this defense might operate. Stewart gives him a big, fast piece to work with as he starts shaping the unit in his image. While Golden’s exact scheme in Cincinnati is still taking form, having a high-upside athlete like Stewart gives him flexibility. He can mold him into either a classic edge rusher or move him around based on matchups.

An Unexpected Choice, But One That Could Pay Off

Stewart was not the name most Bengals fans were expecting to hear, but that does not mean it was the wrong call. He is a raw talent, no doubt about it, but he is also a high-ceiling player who fits the modern game. This pick is not about Week 1, it is about what Stewart could become by year 2 or 3.

The Bengals are betting on their ability to develop young talent, and Stewart is the latest project. If he hits his stride, this could end up looking like one of the smartest moves of the entire draft.