The Indianapolis Colts own the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Does it make sense to take Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart? Bryce Lazenby of Newsweek doesn’t think so. He listed Stewart as one of the four prospects the Colts should avoid in the first round:
“Shemar Stewart is a very raw edge-rush prospect who has elite traits but has yet to put it all together. The defender only collected 4.5 sacks in three years of college ball. Colts general manager Chris Ballard will likely be tempted to take Stewart due to his insane testing numbers and raw potential. However, the GM needs to avoid taking a project like Stewart. The team already took a developmental pass-rusher in the first round last year (Laiatu Latu), so the pick could be used more wisely in 2025.”
Shemar Stewart Listed as a Prospect the Indianapolis Colts Should Avoid in the First Round of the 2025 NFL Draft
His Career
Shemar Stewart attended Monsignor Edward Pace High School in Miami Gardens, Florida. During his senior year, he recorded 48 tackles and 15 sacks, helping the school reach the Florida 4A regional quarterfinals. He was rated as the top-edge rusher in the 2022 class.
Stewart then committed to play at Texas A&M University. He was selected to the 2022 SEC All-Freshman Team. As a sophomore against Mississippi State, he had a 43-yard fumble return for his first career touchdown. He later earned the Defensive Most Improved award at the annual team banquet.
In 2024, Stewart started all 12 regular-season games and led the Aggies with seven quarterback hurries. He also finished with 31 combined tackles (six for loss), 1.5 sacks, two passes defended, and a forced fumble. He earned a spot on the 2024 All-SEC Third Team.
Should the Colts Draft Stewart?
As Lazenby pointed out, Stewart only had 4.5 sacks during his three-year career. No, that’s not good at all, especially for an edge rusher. However, Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com believes Stewart still has the traits to be a good pro:
“Sacks don’t tell the entire story, sure, but it is something to consider in terms of the steps he’ll have to take to develop into a larger threat of the EDGE. All of that said, you can’t teach the elite blend of athleticism, size, and traits that Stewart possesses. He ran a 4.59 40-yard dash, jumped 40″ in the vertical and 10′ 11″ in the broad jump.”
Yes, the potential is there. But the Colts shouldn’t take a gamble by drafting Stewart. They don’t need to take a project in the first round. Someone who has a good chance of making an immediate impact makes the most sense.
With that said, the Colts should draft Tyler Warren 14th overall. And if the Penn State star isn’t available, the team should take fellow tight end Colston Loveland (Michigan).
Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell would also be an ideal pick. The Colts lost both E.J. Speed (Houston Texans) and Grant Stuard (Detroit Lions) in free agency this offseason. That means linebacker is a huge need. So yes, the Colts should avoid drafting Shemar Stewart.
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – USA Today Sports
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