Welcome Shamar Stewart

[SunsetBengal]

McKinnley Jackson sure is excited to be reunited with his former linemate from A&M.

https://atozsports.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals-news/shemar-stewart-mckinnley-jackson-texas-am-teammates-2025-nfl-draft/

Quote:The Cincinnati Bengals drafting Shemar Stewart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft has sparked many a conversation about his college production, or there lack of. There are just as many who aren't concerned about it as there are with concerns.

Count Bengals defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson into the first group.

"Don't let the numbers fool you. He is him," Jackson said of Stewart to Laurel Pfahler of Dayton Daily News. "He's worth the pick."

If nothing else, Jackson knows Stewart better than any one of his new teammates.

Jackson, one of Cincinnati's third-round picks from last year's draft, played two years with Stewart at Texas A&M. Stewart actually out-snapped Jackson as a true freshman in 2022 but the latter out-produced him in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks for the season. That was also the case in 2023 when Jackson was a full-time starter and Stewart held more of a rotational role.

The reason why Jackson became a late Day 2 pick and Stewart is set to sign a first-rounder's contract has nothing to do with the numbers, and Jackson knows it. He also knows that what matters now is turning those athletic gifts into good use at the NFL level.

"When he learns how to use it, I'll feel like he's unstoppable," Jackson told Cincinnati.com's Kelsey Conway. "I'm always gonna critique him because I just love the guy that much because I've always seen him as a little brother since he came in.

"I'm willing to help this guy become what he needs to be."

College teammates following each other into the NFL can be a great story to watch unfold. Cincinnati may have the best example of it with LSU legends Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase together for the long haul.

Jackson and Stewart becoming pillars of the Bengals' defensive line would be just what the doctor ordered on that side of the ball.

That's the optimistic outcome, but Stewart (and Jackson for that matter) has a ways to go before achieving that potential. Having Jackson push him like he did in college may be a critical advantage for Cincinnati. Stewart also talked about following Trey Hendrickson's lead, but with Hendrickson expected to be away from the team while he awaits a new contract, Jackson may have to take on that leadership role for him.

It'll take a village, but Stewart having a known ally next to him can do nothing but help him.