As we get closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, one player who may end up tied to the Chicago Bears more often is Shemar Stewart. The edge rusher from Texas A&M was not highly productive throughout his college career with just 4.5 sacks, and that is not what you would see from a normal top-ten pick. However, this is not a top-heavy draft class and a lot of his traits are exactly what you expect from a Ryan Poles pick.
Ryan Poles drafts highly athletic prospects at a higher rate than any other current General Manager. At times, picks that look like reaches can pay off. Gervon Dexter had athletic traits without big stats. Braxton Jones was an athlete from a small school.
Darnell Wright arguably had a similar trajectory to Stewart. He was not considered a first-round pick when the college football season ended. Then, he had a great Senior Bowl and followed it up with a great NFL Combine. Teams saw that while he did not have the most storied college career his traits would translate to a solid player at a premium position.
Some saw it as a reach to take Wright in the top ten, but the pick has been a firm hit. A lot is true with Stewart too. He did so well that the Senior Bowl practices that he did not play in the game. His NFL combine was one to remember.
Along with the athletic traits, he has the physical traits as well. Dennis Allen likes defensive ends who are long and a bit on the heavier side to set the edge against the run. They win with power. Not only is Stewart the type of player that Poles would typically draft, but he is the mold of player that Allen would typically love to coach.
Stewart has not produced but the flashes of his game compared to other elite athletes such as Rashan Gary and Travon Walker. None of them hit 11 career sacks in college, but both are now considered high-end pass rushers.
Do not be surprised if the Chicago Bears end up making Shemar Stewart a top-ten pick in the 2025 NFL draft.