The start of April 24’s 2025 NFL Draft is less than a month away. This year, for the first time ever, the draft is taking place at the historic Lambeau Field in Titletown District, where 257 players will get to hear their names called throughout the three-day event.
For now, prospects are still working their butts off, trying to do anything they can to improve their draft stock, hoping they can sign a bigger contract. This means players are actively engaging in visits with NFL teams where they’re interviewed and evaluated during various position drills. That also includes participating in their respective college programs’ pro day.
Yet, recently, one of the top draft prospects didn’t want to play ball at his college’s pro day or at the NFL Scouting Combine, and it’s causing some drama.
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Shemar Stewart’s decision not to participate in drills causes uproar
Texas A&M defensive end prospect Shemar Stewart has been a fast riser throughout the draft process thanks to having a freakish athletic profile. The 6-foot-5, 267-pound lineman clocked an impressive 4.59-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, boosting his draft stock.
Scouts already knew Stewart was athletic, but after recording just 1.5 sacks in each of his past three seasons, he needed a strong showing at the combine to prove it. Stewart did just that, leading to reports of him potentially not only establishing his place as a first-round prospect, but possibly one that could land in the top 15 selections.
However, Stewart also made another decision that may have a strong impact on his draft day fate, by refusing to participate in positional drills at both the NFL Combine and during the Texas A&M Pro Day.
According to Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline, Stewart’s decision has caused a stir among NFL teams evaluating the potential star pass-rusher.
“Shemar Stewart/@TAMU did not participate in position drills at pro-day today after not doing position drills at the Combine. Not sitting well with teams after 1.5 sacks last season.”
Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline on Shemar Stewart
Teams understandably wanted to see how the 21-year-old performed when asked to do routine actions that he’ll utilize on gameday in the NFL. Yet, they’ll have to try convincing him to do a private workout to get a better look at where his development sits ahead of his rookie season.
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