In a recent NFL mock draft, ESPN analyst Field Yates has the Arizona Cardinals selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart to address their pass-rushing needs. The Cardinals ranked 26th in pressure rate last season, and Stewart, standing at 6-foot-5 and 281 pounds, is seen as a first-round talent with immense potential despite only recording 1.5 sacks in each of his college seasons. Stewart’s stock rose after a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, showcasing his speed and burst off the edge.
The Cardinals struggled with pass-rushing last season, with Zaven Collins leading the outside linebackers with five sacks. The potential departure of key players like Jesse Luketa, Dennis Gardeck, and Baron Browning, along with BJ Ojulari’s injury, leaves Arizona in need of bolstering their outside linebackers room. Landing Stewart in the draft could provide a much-needed boost to the Cardinals’ pass rush and help address a significant weakness in their defense.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort and the Cardinals will be looking to make a big move by targeting Stewart, banking on his upside and potential to impact their defense positively. With the upcoming offseason and free agency looming, adding a dynamic edge rusher like Stewart could be a crucial step in the Cardinals’ quest to improve their pass-rushing capabilities and elevate their defense to the next level. Stay tuned for updates as the NFL draft approaches and the Cardinals’ plans to address their pass-rushing needs unfold.
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