The Las Vegas Raiders have something special in Maxx Crosby, anchoring one side of their defensive line with undeniable talent. But the opposite end of that line is a hotly contested spot right now.
Malcolm Koonce and Tyree Wilson are both vying for the position, but could a prospect from the 2025 NFL Draft enter the fray? On Wednesday, the Raiders hosted Michigan edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, as noted by Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The Raiders have a big group in for 30 visits today, per sources, with LSU OT Will Campbell, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, Texas QB Quinn Ewers, Michigan DT Mason Graham, Ohio State QB Will Howard, Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty and Michigan OLB Josaiah Stewart all in Vegas.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 9, 2025
Stewart's name has been buzzing, primarily viewed as a potential Day 2 pick in the upcoming draft. His skill set, however, leaves room for speculation that he might find himself slipping into Day 3.
While Stewart's core position is edge rusher, there are whispers about his versatility, with some scouts pondering whether he could be more suited for a traditional outside linebacker role. According to Pro Football Focus, “Stewart is a juiced-up pass-rusher with less-than-ideal measurables.”
His fierce work ethic and leverage set him up well for success, but he still needs to refine his pass-rushing techniques to diversify beyond just raw attributes and a quick initial burst.
Pro Football Focus elaborates that Stewart’s dimensions—standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 242 pounds—may seem modest for full-time edge duties in the NFL. Nevertheless, his explosive energy and strategic footwork often see him outpacing blockers, even without ideal size dynamics.
His hands are quick, although there’s room for more purposeful technique. Stewart tends to thrive on a powerful first step combined with diligent leverage and sheer determination.
That being said, his repertoire of pass-rush maneuvers could use expansion.
While occasionally overpowered in one-on-one matchups in the run game, Stewart isn’t one to back down, exhibiting strength that surprises against heftier opponents. As a tackler, he's robust, though his reach may fall short of others in his role. It's tempting to picture him more as an off-ball linebacker than a pure edge rusher as he transitions to the professional level.
Wherever Stewart lands—whether as a stand-up edge force or slipping into a more classic linebacker mold—will largely depend on the defensive coordinator's vision and the scheme he'll operate in. Nonetheless, it's clear the Raiders have their eyes firmly set on him. Be sure you follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr to keep up with every twist and turn in this evolving story.
