Shemar Stewart — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Stewart's lack of production and lack of elite change of direction are concerning when projecting him as a pure edge rusher. However, teams like Tampa Bay who could use the Texas A&M product as a 5-technique on obvious passing situations will appreciate his strength and versatility.

If you were to draw a prototype of what new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen looks for in a pass-rusher it'd look a lot like Shemar Stewart. The Bears won't shy away from taking an OT here if they like one, but after their moves in free agency, the defensive line feels like the more pressing need right now.

Stewart's production makes him a risk, but for a team that needs juice off the edge like the Panthers, his potential makes him an intriguing dice roll at the top of the draft. Some teams will look at Stewart's build and his 4.59 40-yard dash from the scouting combine and fall in love sooner than later. According to TruMedia, the Panthers' defense finished dead last in pressure percentage last season (25.2%). This may be the type of risk the Panthers are willing to take.

The Broncos spent free agency making big investments at non-premium positions in safety Talanoa Hufanga, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and tight end Evan Engram. So they can use the draft to keep adding to a defensive front that has developed into the team's biggest strength. Defensive ends Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers are entering the final year of their respective contracts, and though Denver may extend both, it's important to keep "feeding those lines," as general manager George Paton said at the combine. Stewart is a bit of a projection given his lack of raw production in college, but he's Dane Brugler's No. 9 overall prospect thanks to the unique traits inside of his 6-5, 281-pound frame. It could become great value for the Broncos, who can address their need for a running back in the second round. — Nick Kosmider

Stewart has offered more disruption than production to this point in his career, but the Eagles made a similar move with Nolan Smith a couple years ago and it has paid off in a big way.

The Panthers' top pass-rushers last year were Jadeveon Clowney and A'Shawn Robinson, two veterans entering their 12th and 10th NFL seasons, respectively. Adding some juice up front is necessary for Carolina to take the next step, and perhaps no defender has more upside than Stewart, who wowed at both the Senior Bowl and Combine.

The Bears have one super-long, highly talented edge in Montez Sweat. They get another with Stewart, who has loads of untapped potential.

The Falcons need some pass-rushing help. I like Stewart more than most, as the production wasn't there in college. The traits are there, though. When you watch him, you get the sense he's going to be excellent. He's an athletic specimen. Only 4.5 sacks in his college career, but you can draft him off potential. I think he's going to be one of the best pass rushers in the league in a couple of years, which is a take that could age poorly.

Stewart is one of my "LTP" guys in the class; he looks the part. His physical traits, as we saw at the combine, will get the interest of teams seeking pass rushers. He leaped 40 inches in the vertical jump then ran a 4.59-second 40. But will the traits translate into production in the pros? His 4.5 sacks over three college seasons are unexpected from a player of his talent. If he puts it all together, though, Stewart has the upside to become a double-digit sack guy.

Double-digit sacks sound pretty good in Cincinnati right now. The Bengals have been active in keeping their own this month, inking wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to big deals and re-signing defensive tackle B.J. Hill. But they haven't yet extended Trey Hendrickson, and losing him -- he requested a trade -- would be devastating for one of the league's most underwhelming defenses. Hendrickson had 17.5 of the team's 36 sacks last season. Stewart could help give the Bengals another pass-rush contributor or help fill the void if Hendrickson does end up elsewhere.

The 49ers defensive line took a massive step back from its Super Bowl form last season. John Lynch isn't going to let that happen much longer. Pairing the freakiest athlete in the class with defensive line coach Kris Kocurek is a tremendous match.

Atlanta brought back Leonard Floyd as a welcomed addition to their pass rush room. Still, after moving on from Grady Jarrett, Raheem Morris better be sure his unit up front as the horses they need.

Yes, there's a lot of youth in this group on the edge and interior. But Stewart's tools, this late in the first round, are an easy sell.