Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Cincinnati Bengals have made their first move. As they work to build a championship-caliber roster, media outlets across the country are already weighing in with expert analysis and grades on the Bengals' opening pick. Let's take a look at how the analysts are evaluating their first-round selection.
Round 1, Pick 17 - EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
"I'm a massive fan of Shemar Stewart. His production doesn't tell the whole story, a terrifying blend of speed and power. Al Golden loves athletes on the edge, and Stewart is the best athlete in this class."
"This is a great pick for Al Golden given Stewart's explosive upside for the scheme."
"His get-off and straight-line speed are excellent, and he's very strong against the run."
"Stewart can certainly do that [bring pressure], and the 6-5, 267-pounder certainly fits the bill of what the organization looks for at defensive end with his imposing build and athleticism."
"This one always made too much sense. The Bengals have a type when it comes to drafting edge rushers, and Stewart checks every box. He's got a big frame with length, and rare athleticism and physical tools for his size."
"In Shemar Stewart, the team gets a 6-foot-5, 267-pound pass-rusher who is built out of granite. The traits and athleticism are off the charts..."
"[The Bengals] take one of the most elite athletes seen at the position in years. Stewart is all about traits with great size, length, speed and explosiveness."
View photos of Shemar Stewart at the 2025 NFL Draft after he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart poses for a photo during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart arrives prior to the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart during the 2025 draft first round in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart poses for a photo with guests during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart celebrates after being selected seventieth overall during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Lauren Leigh Bacho/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart is selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart poses for a photo with guests during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart poses for a photo during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart poses for a photo with guests during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart celebrates with fans after being chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 17th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (Tyler Kaufman/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart during the 2025 draft first round in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart poses for a photo with guests during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Logan Bowles/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart poses on stage after being selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart puts on a hat after being chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 17th overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
