Josaiah Stewart, an EDGE rusher for the Michigan Wolverines, is considered one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his explosive playmaking ability and relentless motor, Stewart has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting defensive talents in college football. Here is an in-depth scouting report on what makes Stewart such a highly anticipated prospect.
**Physical Traits and Measurements:**
Standing at 6’2″ and weighing around 240 pounds, Stewart has the prototypical build for an EDGE rusher. His combination of size and athleticism allows him to be versatile in various defensive schemes. He has a solid frame that can easily be developed further as he matures, and his physical attributes give him an edge over many of his peers in terms of both speed and power.
**Pass Rush Ability:**
One of Stewart’s most notable skills is his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. He is a relentless pass rusher with an explosive first step off the line of scrimmage. Stewart uses his quickness and strength to quickly close the pocket, often forcing the quarterback into difficult situations. His ability to bend around the edge with speed and leverage is a hallmark of his game, allowing him to disrupt plays in the backfield. He shows advanced hand usage, effectively shedding blockers and using an arsenal of moves to beat offensive linemen, including a devastating spin move and a powerful bull rush.
**Run Defense:**
While Stewart is more renowned for his pass-rushing ability, he also plays the run well. He is quick to diagnose plays and shows good awareness when it comes to setting the edge. His ability to disengage from blockers allows him to make tackles for loss in the running game. Although he could improve his ability to anchor against double teams in the run game, Stewart’s athleticism and motor make him an asset in both pass rush and run defense situations.
**Athleticism and Motor:**
Stewart is consistently praised for his high motor and non-stop effort. His hustle on every play is evident, and he doesn’t give up on plays even when they seem to be out of reach. His lateral quickness and fluidity make him a difficult player to block, as he can adjust quickly to the flow of the game. Stewart’s quickness, combined with his relentless nature, makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen, and his ability to chase down plays from the backside adds to his versatility.
**Pass Coverage and Versatility:**
While Stewart’s primary role is rushing the passer, he has also shown the ability to drop into coverage on occasion. He is capable of covering short routes and shows adequate awareness in the passing game. Although he may not be asked to do so frequently at the collegiate level, his ability to contribute in coverage adds an extra dimension to his skill set, making him more attractive to NFL teams that favor versatile, multi-dimensional players.
**NFL Projection:**
Stewart is considered one of the top EDGE prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has the physical tools and skill set to make an immediate impact at the next level. With further development in terms of strength and technique, Stewart has the potential to become a starting defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. His combination of athleticism, motor, and pass-rushing ability makes him a player to watch as he enters the NFL draft conversation.
**Conclusion:**
Josaiah Stewart’s high ceiling, impressive college production, and physical profile make him one of the most intriguing prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. If he continues to develop and refine his skills, there is little doubt that he could be one of the top defensive players selected in the draft, and potentially become an impact player on Sundays. NFL teams in need of a dynamic, high-motor EDGE rusher will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Stewart as he finishes out his collegiate career at Michigan.
Be the first to comment