Less than a month away from the NFL draft, the New York Jets continue to meet with prospects, this time with a highly athletic defensive lineman from Texas A&M.
According to USA Today’s Art Stapleton, the Jets’ defensive line coaches spent “considerable” time with Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart ahead of the Aggies’ pro day.
The Jets’ defensive line coach is Eric Washington, who was hired to Aaron Glenn’s staff after serving as the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator in 2024.
Stewart is a potential target for the Jets with the seventh overall pick. Currently ranked 13th overall on NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board, the Texas A&M product was measured at 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds at the combine.
Stewart, 21, was a five-star recruit coming out of high school. He committed to Texas A&M, where he spent all three of his collegiate seasons, compiling 65 total tackles (including 12 for loss) and only 4.5 sacks in 37 games.
Despite only having 4.5 sacks throughout three seasons (1.5 each season), Stewart was able to consistently get into the backfield, logging 79 total pressures across his college career. He also thrived at stopping the run, recording an 88.2 run defense grade in 2024, courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
Stewart rotated across the line during his college career, playing multiple roles. In 2024, he recorded most of his snaps on the edge (71.2%). However, he also played 22.5% of his snaps over the tackle, 4.2% over the guard, and 1.5% over the center, showcasing versatility across the entire defensive line.
Although the 21-year-old did not participate in the bench press, three-cone drill, or 20-yard shuttle at the combine, he recorded a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, a 40-inch vertical jump, and a 131-inch broad jump.
Stewart posted a remarkable 10.0 Relative Athletic Score, the highest ever for a defensive end.
Jets X-Factor’s Michael Nania identified the former five-star recruit as a potential fit to fill John Franklin-Myers’ former role with the Jets as a multi-positional defensive lineman.
If Steve Wilks and Aaron Glenn are looking to add versatility and upside to their defensive line, Stewart should be a serious option for the Jets with the No. 7 overall pick.
