The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Senior Bowl Week with a glaring roster hole at the wide receiver position. While the receiver will be firmly on their Round 1 radar in the 2025 NFL Draft, don't rule out an interior defensive line as a possibility.
Mike Tomlin's defense was gashed for 299 rushing yards in the pitiful playoff loss against the Baltimore Ravens. Losing in an embarrassing fashion due to an utter lack of ability to stop the run could force ownership to step in.
Fortunately, there was a fantastic group of interior defenders on hand at the 2025 Senior Bowl—players who encompass all size profiles and defensive fronts. Many of these talented prospects stood out in a positive light during Senior Bowl practices, but one, in particular, would prove to be a home-run pick for the Steelers.
Steelers should target Shemar Stewart in Round 1 of the NFL Draft
We know Cameron Heyward isn't going to last forever, and finding his eventual replacement is essential. Shemar Stewart could be that guy.
At Texas A&M, Stewart primarily lined up as an edge defender outside of the tackle, but the big defensive lineman is capable of kicking inside (and has the fame to do so). During Senior Bowl weigh-ins, Stewart measured in at 6'5 1/8'' and 281 pounds with 34 1/4'' arms and an 83 1/2'' wingspan.
While this seems a bit undersized, it's not that dissimilar from Cam Heyward coming out of Ohio State in 2011 (6'5'', 294 lbs, 34 1/4'' arms). Stewart would need to add some mass to his frame, but the core strength is already there as he graded out as one of the best run-defending edge rushers in college football last season, per Pro Football Focus.
READ MORE: Steelers' favorite positional group at the Senior Bowl couldn't be more obvious
It's incredibly difficult to find players who fit this profile of a base 3-4 defensive end who can play anything from 5-technique to 3-technique across the defensive line. Stewart can do just about anything you ask him... and he's a tremendous athlete to boot.
Stewart's Senior Bowl performance was everything as advertised. In OL vs. DL drills, the Texas A&M product showed a remarkable ability to convert speed to power. He looks the part of a long-time NFL starter who will only get better with age.
The value could be right on par with where the Steelers are selecting as well. On Marcus Mosher's updated NFL Draft expert consensus board—comprised of rankings from Daniel Jeremiah, Dane Brugler, Mel Kiper Jr., and others—Stewart is the 21st overall player. It just so happens that the Steelers own the 21st overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Another expert consensus board update. pic.twitter.com/ytF1rvjLDs
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) January 28, 2025
Unfortunately, after impressive Senior Bowl practices, some are already mocking Stewart to be drafted well ahead of the Steelers in the first round this April. Kyle Crabbs of The 33rd Team recently slated Stewart to the New Orleans Saints with the 9th overall pick in the draft.
Shemar Stewart is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. After watching him dominate at the Senior Bowl, he's become a slam-dunk draft target for Pittsburgh. Let's hope he's somehow available when the Steelers are on the clock in Round 1.