As the 2025 NFL Draft draws nearer, one name that has been consistently climbing up the board is Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, a dynamic edge rusher whose blend of power, agility, and athleticism has drawn considerable attention from NFL teams. Among those closely evaluating the 6’5″, 275-pound pass rusher is the Atlanta Falcons, who recently hosted Stewart for a highly anticipated visit. This move is yet another indication of how the Falcons, coming off a mixed 2024 campaign, are looking to solidify their defensive front and make a serious push in the NFC South.
Stewart’s rise in the draft process is not an accident. From the moment he stepped onto the field for the Aggies, he showcased a rare combination of physical tools. His speed off the edge, paired with an explosive first step and impressive hand technique, has made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His ability to disrupt both the pass and the run game has made him one of the most coveted edge rushers in the upcoming draft.
But what makes Stewart particularly intriguing to the Falcons is his versatility. As a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end, Stewart has the kind of flexibility that head coach Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen crave. The Falcons have been building a defense centered around youth and energy, and Stewart could seamlessly fit into their plans as they look to bolster their pass rush, an area that was consistently inconsistent last season.
However, the Falcons’ interest in Stewart raises some questions, especially given their history with high-profile draft picks and the weight of expectations that often comes with them. Over the years, Atlanta has drafted several edge rushers, only to see them struggle to live up to their potential. The most notable of these is former first-round pick Takkarist McKinley, whose career fizzled out after a promising start. The question becomes: will the Falcons be able to break the cycle of high draft picks who fail to live up to expectations, or will they find a game-changing talent in Stewart who could finally provide the pass-rushing dominance the franchise has sorely lacked?
Moreover, Stewart’s rise in the draft rankings has sparked some controversy, particularly surrounding the debate about the value of edge rushers in the modern NFL. The argument goes that while edge rushers are undeniably important, teams have started to place greater value on offensive line and wide receiver play in the early rounds. With quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye looming large at the top of the draft, should the Falcons really prioritize an edge rusher like Stewart over a potential franchise quarterback or a key offensive piece? This question will continue to linger as the draft approaches.
The Falcons’ hosting of Stewart is not just a casual meeting; it’s a strategic move that signals the team’s commitment to addressing its defensive needs. With the NFC South wide open for the taking, the Falcons must build a defense capable of contending with potent offenses like those of the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers. Adding an elite pass rusher in Stewart could be the final piece of the puzzle for a team looking to make a significant leap in 2025.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the debate surrounding Shemar Stewart will only intensify. For the Falcons, this visit represents both an opportunity and a risk—a chance to land a potentially game-changing player, but also a reminder of the burden of past draft mistakes. Only time will tell if Stewart becomes the difference-maker Atlanta so desperately needs, or if he falls victim to the same cycle that has haunted the franchise’s defensive draft picks in years past.
