The Cincinnati Bengals' choice of defensive end Shemar Stewart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft has sparked a lively discussion, especially following Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons’ enthusiastic endorsement. Parsons, a formidable pass rusher, praised Stewart’s explosive start and overall potential, emphasizing his capability as an every-down player. While Stewart's college sack numbers may not be impressive, he led his team in pressures, showcasing his disruptive potential. This aligns with the Bengals' strategy under new defensive coordinator Al Golden, who is expected to cultivate the growth of young players on the roster.

Parsons’ insights reflect a broader trend in evaluating defensive talent, where physical attributes and potential often overshadow traditional metrics like sack totals. The Bengals are banking on Stewart's ability to excel in setting the edge and contributing to the team's defensive strength, much like previous standout Sam Hubbard. The franchise’s commitment to developing young talent could redefine their defensive identity in the coming seasons.

The Cincinnati Bengals made a bold move in the 2025 NFL draft by selecting defensive lineman Shemar Stewart with the 17th overall pick. This choice has drawn a mix of reactions from experts, highlighting potential but also a lack of consistent production during his college career. At Texas A&M, Stewart showcased remarkable athleticism and disruptive capabilities, leading the Aggies in pressures during his final season, yet he managed only 4.5 sacks in three years.

Experts like Dane Brugler and Lance Zierlein praise Stewart's physical traits, noting his explosiveness and versatility on the field. However, they also emphasize the need for improvement in his finishing skills, particularly in converting pressures into sacks and making tackles. As a prospect, Stewart represents a high-risk, high-reward scenario for the Bengals, with the potential to develop into a dominant player with the right coaching.

The Cincinnati Bengals' 2025 NFL draft selections garnered a mix of reactions, but several players are starting to shine in analyst evaluations. Among these, Shemar Stewart, a first-round pick, and third-rounder Dylan Fairchild have caught the attention of ESPN's Matt Miller, who included both in his top 100 draft picks list.

Miller highlighted Stewart's impressive performance during the predraft process, particularly noting his explosiveness at the combine. Although the pick at No. 17 seemed like a reach initially, Stewart's potential to bolster a Bengals defense in need of reinforcements is significant. His ability to play a role similar to Sam Hubbard's could make him a valuable asset as the coaching staff aims to maximize his physical potential. Fairchild, while less spotlighted, also represents a promising option for the Bengals' offensive line.

The Cincinnati Bengals announced the jersey numbers for their 2025 NFL draft class, and fans had mixed reactions. Shemar Stewart, the first-round pick, received the notable No. 97, previously worn by Bengals legend Geno Atkins, sparking some initial excitement. However, the allocation of numbers for other rookies, particularly linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight, drew criticism as they were assigned 40s, which some fans found unacceptable. There was a notable hope among Bengals fans for Carter to wear the coveted No. 0, a number he donned at Clemson, but that hope was dashed as he now dons 46.