It’s no big secret that the Chicago Bears will likely be looking to add a pass rusher in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Whether that is in the first few rounds or later on in the draft, this Bears staff is well aware of the pass rush help it needs heading into the new campaign.
One of the many storylines in this draft class is depth. Plenty of talent can be found in the later rounds this year, as we’ll see what GM Ryan Poles is truly made of when it comes to scouting and finding talent on days two and three. In the past, he’s struggled in those parts.
However, when it comes to EDGE rushers, it’s typical that the top of the draft will likely be the best place to find a franchise stud. This class has plenty who fit that criteria. Penn State’s Abdul Carter is the biggest name, followed by guys like Mykel Williams and James Pearce Jr, who I had them taking in my latest mock draft.
Another name to watch is Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, who stands 6’5 and 267 lbs. Stewart is one of the top prospects, not just pass rushers, in this entire draft class.
EDGE rusher Shemar Stewart will meet with the Chicago Bears shortly before the 2025 NFL Draft
A freak athlete, Shemar Stewart will be drafted high due to his traits and elite potential. He ran a 4.59 forty-yard dash, and 40-inch vertical to draw comparisons to another former Aggie, Myles Garrett.
Stewart didn’t put up crazy numbers at Texas A&M, only tallying 4.5 sacks during his entire three-year career in College Station. This lack of production has brought up some concern when it comes to his finishing ability at the next level, even though he is still such a highly touted player.
NFL’s Ian Rapoport posted on X today (formally known as Twitter) that the Bears will meet with Stewart soon, just days before the 2025 NFL Draft. This has sparked conversation amongst fans, some who want Stewart, and some who’d rather pass.
As you can see above, the Bears aren’t the only team engaged. Stewart will receive plenty of interest from teams across the NFL who are looking to add youth and could take a chance on him.
Should the Bears take Shemar Stewart in the 2025 NFL Draft?
I lean no.
There are too many other rushers that could provide help on day one. Guys like Pearce Jr, Jack Sawyer, or even Mike Green. The Bears don’t have the luxury to take prospects based on “traits”, but we all know that Poles likes to do so.
Production shouldn’t always be viewed over elite athleticism, but in the Bears situation, it should. Look at Gervon Dexter, for example, a player who has plenty of potential but was probably over-drafted due to his traits. He could still be a great player one day, especially with the mentorship of Grady Jarrett incoming.
If the Bears do decide to trade back, I could see Stewart being a legitimate possibility. Trading back from ten doesn’t seem very likely, but the NFL Draft has shocked us before, and it will shock us again. The entire football world will be watching. Hoping, and praying that their favorite team will make improvements.
That will certainly be the case for most Chicago Bears fans in a few weeks. Although there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel.
