Even with the NFL draft months away, it is never to early to start looking at some of the many prospects that will be future NFL players. There will be more comprehensive profiles completed, and Big Boards assembled as the draft draws closer, especially after the offseason All Star events and NFL Combine are completed, and more tape is studied. However, this preview series will give a brief view at this point to some of the popular players we will hear about as potential first or second round picks in April, and if they could be a fit for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Shemar Stewart has the coveted size, speed, and athleticism combination that evaluators crave in NFL Edges. One would see this and think that should make him a force at the NFL level. While these traits exist, they are extremely raw and the key for him to succeed will be in refining the techniques required at the next level. What is even more of a conundrum for evaluators will be to decipher why his traits did not come close to on field production, but the flashes of brilliance are evident in the tape, and especially at the 2025 Senior Bowl.

At this point in his development, Stewart’s best attribute in his game is his speed to power. He has a tremendous get off at the line that almost takes his opponent by surprise. Once he has the upper hand after the first step, he has a great stab move and bull rush to walk back the linemen. Even with this immense power he does show some decent ankle flexion and bend around the corner occasionally as a changeup. Stewart also has decent enough hand usage and some swim and rip moves to play inside as a 3 tech as well as out on the edge. For his size, he is one hell of an athlete. He does a fantastic job in pursuit chasing plays down with effort and speed and he has a relentless motor. The speed element of his game also shows up in run defense by beating his opponent with the initial burst and then using his power to get into run lanes and reset the LOS.

With all these attributes, you would figure that Stewart would have dominated his college competition, but that is not the case. The production did not match the traits as he only amassed 6.5 sacks over 3 years of playing time, where he logged a ton of reps. Stewart needs to learn to play under control and to hone his technique to match his physical gifts. He often relied on pure talent to make plays and that was the reason he lacked top end production. With the speed the game is played at, one or two false moves can be the difference in regularly making plays.

When watching him on tape I got Ziggy Ansah vibes of a player with extreme talent that just needed to combine technique and understanding of the game along with his talent to flourish. He’s like a pitcher who can throw 99 but has no idea where the ball is going once it leaves his hand. With that being said, his freakish combination of speed and size doesn’t grow on trees, which is why I fully expect him to hear his name called anywhere from pick 11 to 32 in Rd1 of the NFL Draft.

Depending on who is returning to the Chargers Edge room will be a factor in Stewart’s fit for the 2025 season. If either/or Bosa or Mack return, I think Stewart would be a fantastic fit for the Chargers. With a year or two of refinement behind a star vet, he has the potential to become a perennial Pro Bowl player. I think he can be used like the Chiefs use Chris Jones, to pick his most favorable matchup inside or on the edge, and he would be a nightmare on the interior in NASCAR packages. With proper coaching and some diligence on his end to work at his craft, he could become the young dominant Edge player this team needs to add to the roster.