By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions are prioritizing their defense in the pre-draft process, focusing much of their attention on evaluating potential additions. So far, they’ve used a couple of their Top 30 visits on linebackers, including Georgia’s Chaz Chambliss and Maryland’s Ruben Hyppolite. Additionally, they have several defensive players lined up for local visits. Now, they’re set to meet with another defensive prospect—arguably the most high-profile one yet.
According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, the Lions are bringing in Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart for a Top 30 visit.
Stewart’s college stats don’t necessarily scream first-round pick. Over three seasons at Texas A&M, he recorded just 4.5 sacks, averaging 1.5 per season. While his 33 quarterback hurries in 2024 present a more promising picture, his overall production hasn’t exactly turned heads. His draft stock is largely built on his raw athletic ability.
At the NFL Combine, Stewart put on an impressive display. He clocked the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash among edge rushers, registered a 40-inch vertical jump (second-best at the position), and posted a broad jump of 10 feet, 11 inches—the best among his peers. These numbers highlight his elite physical traits and hint at significant potential at the pro level.
However, the question remains: how does he fit into Detroit’s current defensive needs? The Lions need immediate production from their edge rushers, and Stewart remains an unproven talent at this stage. If the team secures a veteran pass rusher first, taking a chance on Stewart might make sense. But relying on him to compete with Marcus Davenport for a key edge position right away could be a risky gamble given his limited college production.