Shemar Stewart's Journey to Redemption: What a Successful Year Could Look Like for the Bengals' Former First-Round Pick
Shemar Stewart, the Cincinnati Bengals' first-round pick from 2025, is at a crossroads. While some fans might have seen his struggles coming, Stewart still has the opportunity to turn things around and prove his doubters wrong. His elite athleticism is undeniable, and despite the challenges he's faced, there's hope for a brighter sophomore season in the NFL.
The Bengals' decision to draft another player at Stewart's position this year, after trading their 10th overall pick for All-Pro nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, highlights the competition Stewart faces. His former college teammate, Cashius Howell, who dominated the SEC with his defensive prowess, adds to the depth at edge rusher. Howell's versatility as a linebacker/edge type and the existing talents of Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai underscore the uphill battle Stewart must fight to secure a spot in the starting lineup.
Last season, Stewart struggled to make his mark, finishing as Pro Football Focus's lowest-graded edge defender. However, with the addition of Lawrence and Jonathan Allen at defensive tackle, the Bengals' defensive line is poised for a transformation. These new additions should help generate a more formidable pass rush, potentially creating opportunities for Stewart to shine.
Looking ahead to 2026, Stewart's projected stats suggest a significant improvement. With 15 games under his belt, he's expected to notch 28 total tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. While these numbers may not leap off the page, they represent a meaningful step forward in his development.
The key for Stewart will be capitalizing on his athletic gifts to disrupt plays and create opportunities for his teammates. Although finishing plays remains a challenge, his ability to generate pressure could prove invaluable. Even if his stats don't immediately silence the critics, Stewart's progress this season could set the stage for a breakout year in the future.
In the end, Stewart's journey is far from over. With hard work and perseverance, he has the potential to evolve into a quality starter for the Bengals, showcasing the talent that made him a first-round pick.
In Other News...
Bengals Keep Falling Into This Same Frustrating Roster Trap
The Bengals have spent much of the offseason trying to shore up the defense, but one familiar roster habit has followed them into camp: keeping a veteran tight end around even when the fit no longer feels especially dynamic. The position has been left largely intact, and the front office has not really gone hunting for outside help, which leaves the depth chart leaning on a player whose value comes more from stabilizing the run game and protecting the edge than changing much as a pass catcher.
For a team built around Joe Burrow, that kind of balance can be frustrating when the offense could use more juice from the tight end spot. There are younger options in the mix and the room is not exactly settled, so this is one of those situations that could still shift once camp gets rolling. For now, though, the Bengals appear content to keep trusting a familiar profile, even if it has become a little too familiar. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals Fans Shouldnt Ignore What Bralyn Lux Is Suddenly Threatening
Bralyn Lux has gone from afterthought to name worth tracking in a hurry. The second-year undrafted cornerback signed a reserve/future deal in January, got on the field during OTAs and even picked up some first-team snaps, which is enough to make him part of the conversation as the Bengals sort through their secondary in training camp.
Lux is not just trying to hang around the roster this summer. He is pressing for a bigger role in the slot, where the Bengals need someone reliable near the line of scrimmage and capable of making plays in tight spaces, and that kind of usage would put real pressure on the current setup. After appearing in two games last season and recording three tackles, Lux has made himself into more than a depth piece, and the next step in that climb is the one that usually decides whether a player sticks or keeps forcing the issue. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals WR3 Debate Just Brought DeAndre Hopkins Back Into Focus
The Bengals have spent the offseason sorting out the wide receiver pecking order behind JaMarr Chase and Tee Higgins, with drafted rookie Colbie Young brought in to compete for the third spot. It is the kind of depth-chart question that can shape how Cincinnatis passing game looks once the season starts, especially with the team still weighing how to handle its receiver room beyond the top two.
DeAndre Hopkins has re-entered the conversation because of how he framed his own game in a recent interview, describing himself as a utility piece and a specialist for third-down and other situational work. Hopkins also made clear he wants to land with a contender, and while Cincinnati is looking at several options for its depth chart, his availability and his self-described role make him a name worth revisiting as the Bengals sort through the possibilities. [Read more 🡒]