Luke Kuechly, the former Carolina Panthers linebacker and one of the sharpest defensive minds in football, has high hopes for Shemar Stewart’s future with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals selected Stewart, a standout edge rusher from Texas A&M, with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While some critics have questioned Stewart’s sack production in college, Kuechly believes the Bengals have the perfect system to unlock his full potential [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/luke-kuechly-believes-cincinnati-bengals-could-unlock-shemar-stewarts-potential/ar-AA1DW7Qd?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJLZEtmWkd6eE5rbndYSlhiUUdac3UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidG9XZXNkd0ZKQXptRjRGZVZONDhFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL25mbFwvbHVrZS1rdWVjaGx5LWJlbGlldmVzLWNpbmNpbm5hdGktYmVuZ2Fscy1jb3VsZC11bmxvY2stc2hlbWFyLXN0ZXdhcnRzLXBvdGVudGlhbFwvYXItQUExRFc3UWQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Stewart’s Versatility and Athleticism
At 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds, Stewart possesses the size, length, and explosiveness needed to thrive in the NFL. Kuechly has emphasized that Stewart’s flexibility allows him to play both inside and outside on the defensive line. In a traditional four-down front, Stewart can line up as a true defensive end, attacking the C-gap and pressuring quarterbacks. However, when the Bengals shift to a three-down front, Stewart has the ability to slide inside, taking on tackles and using his athleticism to disrupt plays [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/luke-kuechly-believes-cincinnati-bengals-could-unlock-shemar-stewarts-potential/ar-AA1DW7Qd?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJLZEtmWkd6eE5rbndYSlhiUUdac3UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidG9XZXNkd0ZKQXptRjRGZVZONDhFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL25mbFwvbHVrZS1rdWVjaGx5LWJlbGlldmVzLWNpbmNpbm5hdGktYmVuZ2Fscy1jb3VsZC11bmxvY2stc2hlbWFyLXN0ZXdhcnRzLXBvdGVudGlhbFwvYXItQUExRFc3UWQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Kuechly has pointed out that Stewart’s twitchiness and ability to shoot gaps make him a unique talent. While some might argue that Stewart is slightly undersized to play inside, his explosiveness compensates for any concerns. His ability to get vertical and attack offensive linemen gives the Bengals a versatile weapon who can be deployed in multiple ways [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/luke-kuechly-believes-cincinnati-bengals-could-unlock-shemar-stewarts-potential/ar-AA1DW7Qd?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJLZEtmWkd6eE5rbndYSlhiUUdac3UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidG9XZXNkd0ZKQXptRjRGZVZONDhFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL25mbFwvbHVrZS1rdWVjaGx5LWJlbGlldmVzLWNpbmNpbm5hdGktYmVuZ2Fscy1jb3VsZC11bmxvY2stc2hlbWFyLXN0ZXdhcnRzLXBvdGVudGlhbFwvYXItQUExRFc3UWQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### The Bengals’ Defensive Scheme
Cincinnati’s defensive scheme is well-suited to maximize Stewart’s strengths. With Trey Hendrickson already established as a dominant edge rusher, Stewart will have the opportunity to develop alongside experienced players. The Bengals’ coaching staff has a history of refining raw talent, and Stewart’s combination of athleticism and physicality makes him an exciting prospect [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/luke-kuechly-believes-cincinnati-bengals-could-unlock-shemar-stewarts-potential/ar-AA1DW7Qd?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJLZEtmWkd6eE5rbndYSlhiUUdac3UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidG9XZXNkd0ZKQXptRjRGZVZONDhFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL25mbFwvbHVrZS1rdWVjaGx5LWJlbGlldmVzLWNpbmNpbm5hdGktYmVuZ2Fscy1jb3VsZC11bmxvY2stc2hlbWFyLXN0ZXdhcnRzLXBvdGVudGlhbFwvYXItQUExRFc3UWQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Kuechly has gone as far as to say that Stewart might be the best true defensive end in the 2025 draft class. His ability to generate pressure and disrupt plays, even if his sack numbers weren’t eye-popping in college, suggests that he has the tools to succeed at the next level. The Bengals are betting on his upside, and if they can refine his technique and maximize his strengths, Stewart could become a cornerstone of their defense [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/luke-kuechly-believes-cincinnati-bengals-could-unlock-shemar-stewarts-potential/ar-AA1DW7Qd?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJLZEtmWkd6eE5rbndYSlhiUUdac3UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidG9XZXNkd0ZKQXptRjRGZVZONDhFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL25mbFwvbHVrZS1rdWVjaGx5LWJlbGlldmVzLWNpbmNpbm5hdGktYmVuZ2Fscy1jb3VsZC11bmxvY2stc2hlbWFyLXN0ZXdhcnRzLXBvdGVudGlhbFwvYXItQUExRFc3UWQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Unlocking Stewart’s Potential
For Stewart to reach his full potential, the Bengals will need to focus on refining his pass-rushing skills and helping him translate his athleticism into consistent production. Kuechly’s confidence in Stewart stems from his belief that Cincinnati’s system will allow him to flourish. If Stewart can develop his ability to finish plays and convert pressures into sacks, he could become one of the most impactful defensive players in the league [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/luke-kuechly-believes-cincinnati-bengals-could-unlock-shemar-stewarts-potential/ar-AA1DW7Qd?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJLZEtmWkd6eE5rbndYSlhiUUdac3UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidG9XZXNkd0ZKQXptRjRGZVZONDhFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL25mbFwvbHVrZS1rdWVjaGx5LWJlbGlldmVzLWNpbmNpbm5hdGktYmVuZ2Fscy1jb3VsZC11bmxvY2stc2hlbWFyLXN0ZXdhcnRzLXBvdGVudGlhbFwvYXItQUExRFc3UWQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
The Bengals have taken a calculated risk by selecting Stewart, but with the right coaching and development, he has the potential to be a game-changer. If Kuechly’s assessment proves correct, Cincinnati may have found a defensive star who will shape their future for years to come [A](https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/luke-kuechly-believes-cincinnati-bengals-could-unlock-shemar-stewarts-potential/ar-AA1DW7Qd?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJLZEtmWkd6eE5rbndYSlhiUUdac3UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidG9XZXNkd0ZKQXptRjRGZVZONDhFIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3Lm1zbi5jb21cL2VuLXVzXC9zcG9ydHNcL25mbFwvbHVrZS1rdWVjaGx5LWJlbGlldmVzLWNpbmNpbm5hdGktYmVuZ2Fscy1jb3VsZC11bmxvY2stc2hlbWFyLXN0ZXdhcnRzLXBvdGVudGlhbFwvYXItQUExRFc3UWQifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
