Draft 2025 – Pick #2: Josaiah Stewart, Edge, Michigan

Stewart is a juiced-up pass-rusher with less-than-ideal measurables. His effort and leverage give him a chance to win any rep, but he lacks pass-rush nuance to win with more than those attributes and a good first step. His best spot in the NFL might be as an off-ball Sam linebacker, where he can be used as a blitzer more than just a straight edge defender (think Uchenna Nuwosu).
Height 6′ 1″
Weight 245
Class Sr.
Age 22.0

Stewart is smaller for full-time edge work in the NFL, listed at 6-foot-1 and 242 pounds. However, he packs a punch at contact with good leverage despite those deficiencies. He is explosive and consistently launches off the front foot to give himself the best chance to beat blockers to the outside. His hands are fast, but they can be purposeless at times. Right now, he primarily wins due to a great first step with good leverage and high effort. He doesn’t have a lot of pass-rush moves. On the line of scrimmage, he can get handled one-on-one in the run game, but then there are other reps where he’ll give you a surprising win versus a player much bigger than him. He is strong as a tackler, though his tackle radius is smaller. He honestly feels like a player who might be more of an off-ball linebacker than an edge rusher when it comes to an NFL projection.

Review
Stewart is a juiced-up pass-rusher with less-than-ideal measurables. His effort and leverage give him a chance to win any rep, but he lacks pass-rush nuance to win with more than those attributes and a good first step. His best spot in the NFL might be as an off-ball Sam linebacker, where he can be used as a blitzer more than just a straight edge defender.
Shades Of

Uchenna Nwosu

Pros
  • Not afraid to be physical despite smaller stature
  • All-around explosive athlete
  • Can attack both shoulders when aligned wide
  • Better than expected run defender via leverage and effort
Cons
  • Looks like his frame is maxed out at a lighter weight
  • Lack of stride length impact pursuit
  • Can be handled, strength-wise, one on one against TEs
  • Still working on hand precision with rush moves
  • Needs more nuance/timing with his inside cross
  • Best position might be as an off-ball LB

Analysys and data from PFF:COM

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