Josaiah Stewart 2025 NFL Draft Michigan EDGE Scouting Report

In this talented 2025 NFL Draft class, a versatile edge rusher you need to know is Josaiah Stewart. He’s an explosive EDGE from Michigan with excellent leadership qualities. Today, we’ll break down his NFL outlook with this in-depth expert scouting report. Additionally, we will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.

Josaiah Stewart 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Josaiah Stewart emerged as a standout talent from Everett High School in Massachusetts, showcasing versatility as both a tight end and defensive end. A three-star recruit, he initially committed to Coastal Carolina, where he exploded onto the scene as a freshman in 2021, setting a program record with 12.5 sacks and earning Freshman All-American honors.

After two productive seasons in the Sun Belt, Stewart transferred to Michigan in 2023, seeking a bigger stage. At Michigan, he adapted to the Big Ten’s physicality, contributing to a national championship in 2023 and evolving into a team captain by 2024. His senior season solidified his status as one of college football’s most dynamic pass rushers, leading the Wolverines in sacks and tackles for loss.

Moreover, Stewart projects as a situational pass rusher with the potential to develop into a starter in the right system. He’s best suited for a 3-4 defense as a stand-up outside linebacker, where he can pin his ears back in a Wide-9 alignment or roam as a designated rusher on passing downs.

Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, or Arizona Cardinals—schemes that prioritize speed and disruption—could maximize his talents. His production (30 career sacks) and intangibles make him a safe bet to contribute early, likely warranting a Day 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With coaching to refine his hand usage and add functional strength, Stewart could defy his size limitations and become a double-digit sack artist.

HT: 6010
WT: 249
40: 4.74
ARM: 3178

Strengths:

• Explosive Get-Off: Stewart’s initial burst off the line is elite, often putting offensive tackles on their heels before they can set their base. His quickness allows him to threaten the edge immediately, creating consistent pressure.
• Pass Rush Arsenal: He boasts a diverse set of moves, including a devastating rip, a cross-chop, and a euro-step that keeps blockers guessing. His ability to set up rushes with stems and counters reflects a high football IQ.
• Leverage and Pad Level: Despite his shorter stature, Stewart plays with exceptional leverage, getting under the pads of taller tackles. His low center of gravity aids in winning battles at the point of attack.
• Relentless Motor: Stewart’s effort is relentless, often chasing plays 15-20 yards downfield or finishing with coverage sacks. His hustle makes him a disruptive force even when initially stymied.
• Run Defense Upside: While not his primary strength, Stewart sets a firm edge against tight ends and shows discipline in maintaining his gap. His lateral quickness allows him to pursue ball carriers effectively.
• Leadership: Named a team captain in 2024, Stewart’s intensity and work ethic set the tone for Michigan’s defense, a trait that will resonate with NFL coaches.

Areas for Improvement:

• Undersized Frame: At his size, Stewart lacks the prototypical length and mass of elite NFL EDGE rushers. Bigger, stronger tackles can engulf him if they get their hands on his chest plate.
• Limited Bend: While explosive, Stewart doesn’t possess elite ankle flexion to flatten tight corners at the top of his rush. This can push him past the pocket against athletic quarterbacks.
• Run Defense Consistency: Against larger offensive tackles or double teams, Stewart can get washed out or stuck on blocks due to his lack of anchor strength. He’s more of a penetration defender than a true edge-setter.
• Hand Technique Refinement: Though skilled, his hand usage can be inconsistent. He occasionally fails to disengage when blockers lock onto him, limiting his ability to shed and finish.
• Scheme Fit Concerns: His size and skill set may pigeonhole him into specific roles (Wide-9 or stand-up rusher in an odd front), reducing his every-down potential early in his career.

Conclusion:

All in all, Stewart’s blend of explosiveness, technique, and heart makes him a tantalizing prospect. However, his size caps his ceiling. Despite this, his floor as a sub-package terror is high, and his trajectory suggests he’s far from finished growing as a player.

Ultimately, similar to Haason Reddick, Stewart is an undersized but explosive pass rusher with a knack for leveraging his quickness and tenacity. Both share a high motor and versatility as stand-up rushers, though Stewart may need time to match Reddick’s every-down impact.

Round Grade: 3rd Round

Stats: Per Sports Reference

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