The Arizona Cardinals have officially begun their pre-draft visits for the 2025 offseason. With needs across multiple positions, the team is exploring several prospects to strengthen its roster. One of the first names on their list is Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart, who made waves at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Cardinals Eye Shemar Stewart to Bolster Pass Rush
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Stewart visited the Cardinals for a pre-draft meeting, marking an early focus on addressing their defensive front. At 6’5″ and 267 pounds, Stewart has the perfect combination of strength and agility. His performance at the 2025 NFL Combine solidified his status as one of the most physically gifted players in this draft class.
Stewart’s combine numbers were outstanding. He ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, placing fourth among edge rushers. He also recorded a 40-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of 10 feet, 11 inches, both among the best at his position.
Texas A&M edge Shemar Stewart — whose freakish combine bolstered his case as a top-10 pick — is visiting the #Cardinals today.
The AZ visit was scheduled before the combine for Stewart, whom @LanceZierlein recently mocked to New Orleans at 9th overall.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 5, 2025
His athletic profile earned him a top-three all-time ranking among defensive ends in Relative Athletic Score (RAS). While his raw potential is very on point, there are some concerns about his lack of production.
Across three seasons at Texas A&M, he managed just 4.5 sacks, with only 1.5 in each year.
The Cardinals struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks last season, finishing among the league’s worst in pressure rate. Stewart’s ability to generate QB hurries 33 last season per Pro Football Focus, suggests he can be a disruptive force even if his sack numbers remain modest.
The question is whether Arizona believes in his upside enough to take the risk at Pick 16.
Stewart’s stock has skyrocketed, and some analysts now project him as a top-10 pick. If Arizona wants him, they may need to move up the draft board. General manager Monti Ossenfort has hinted at flexibility in draft positioning, and head coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged that the team’s current draft spot may not be where they ultimately pick.
The Cardinals have numerous holes to fill on their lineup. While the defensive line remains a priority, they also have needs along the offensive line and in the secondary.
However, a high-upside edge rusher like Stewart could be too tempting to pass up, especially given their struggles in pressuring opposing quarterbacks last season.
The decision to trade up for Stewart would not come lightly. Arizona would likely need to sacrifice valuable draft capital to secure a higher pick, possibly packaging their second-round selection or future assets.
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However, if the Cardinals truly believe Stewart can develop into a premier pass rusher, the investment could be worthwhile. Pass rushers with his athleticism don’t come around often, and betting on his upside might be the bold move Arizona needs to make.
With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, Arizona’s strategy will soon become clear. Whether they stay put at Pick 16 or make a move up the board, Stewart remains one of the most desirable prospects in their range.
If the Cardinals pull the trigger, they could land a player capable of transforming their defensive front for years to come.
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