The Baltimore Ravens’ pass rush has been a mixed bag in 2024, with veterans like Kyle Van Noy stepping up as the team’s sack leader (8.0 sacks) alongside Odafe Oweh, but the group lacks a true, dominant edge presence.
Former second-round pick David Ojabo hasn’t panned out, and the departure of Jadeveon Clowney (to Carolina) has left the Ravens searching for answers. That’s why Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, who officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, is a name worth watching as Baltimore builds for the future.
The former five-star recruit stands out for his rare combination of size and athleticism. At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Stewart is a massive edge defender with a quick first step, heavy hands, and a relentless motor. While his production at Texas A&M (1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons) hasn’t lived up to his immense potential, scouts rave about his physical tools and upside.
For the Ravens, Stewart could complement rising stars Odafe Oweh and Travis Jones perfectly. Baltimore’s front office has long prioritized building through the trenches, and Stewart’s versatility and explosiveness could help form a dominant defensive line for years to come.
Shemar Stewart has all the traits the Ravens covet in a defensive prospect: size, power, and the versatility to line up across multiple spots on the defensive front. His ability to collapse the pocket with his bull rush and swat down passes with his massive wingspan would bring a new dimension to Baltimore’s defense.
Shemar Stewart will be amongst the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
He has exactly 1.5 sacks in each of his 3 college seasons, but has some really impressive traits that scouts feel will allow him to develop into a high-level rusher in the NFL. https://t.co/Pm4zU7MIC6
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 9, 2024
Defensive coordinator Zach Orr has done an admirable job with a “by-committee” approach to the pass rush, but there’s no doubt the Ravens need a true game-wrecker. Stewart has the potential to be that guy. His explosive get-off and ability to penetrate the backfield would pair perfectly with Oweh’s speed off the edge and Jones’ disruptive power on the interior. That trio could make life miserable for quarterbacks in the NFL.
Of course, Stewart is far from a finished product. His hand usage and counter moves need refinement, and his tendency to play too high limits his effectiveness in the run game. But Baltimore has a history of developing raw talent into dominant players, and Stewart’s ceiling is sky-high.
With Ojabo’s struggles and the likely departure of stopgap veterans like Van Noy, the Ravens need to invest in their pass rush this offseason. Stewart’s size and athleticism make him a compelling option late in the first round. While he may take time to reach his full potential, the Ravens are one of the few teams that could afford to be patient, thanks to their strong coaching staff and existing young core.
Shemar Stewart is the kind of high-upside prospect who could thrive in Baltimore’s culture and system. If he develops as expected, he could help turn the Ravens’ defensive line into one of the most feared units in the NFL. This is a player worth keeping an eye on as draft season approaches.
More Baltimore Ravens news and analysis