Cardinals address pass rusher in Field Yates’ latest NFL mock draft

It’s no secret the Arizona Cardinals need pass-rushing help heading into Year 3 under the current regime.

That fact alone is a big reason why ESPN analyst Field Yates has Arizona nabbing Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart in his latest NFL mock draft released Tuesday.

Stewart is a really fascinating prospect, and I think he’s a lock for the first round. He is 6-foot-5, 281 pounds and will be one of the stars of the combine thanks to his ridiculous speed — but he posted exactly 1.5 sacks in each of his three college seasons. Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort could take a big swing by landing him here, going all-in on his upside and immense potential. The Cardinals were 26th in pressure rate (28.6%) this season, and their midseason trade for Baron Browning spoke to their pass-rush issues.

Stewart didn’t post the type of production that jumps off the page behind 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss across three seasons at Texas A&M (37 games). He did, however, see his stock rise with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl.

Watch the get-off and burst from Shemar Stewart to capture the corner and flatten to the QB.

The man in 280 pounds.

To quote him after the play: "Don't f-ing play with me! I'm like that!" pic.twitter.com/NxIaGxEowd

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 29, 2025

NFL mock draft helps address big Cardinals need

Whether it be injuries to key contributors or ineffectiveness, Arizona was up against it last year when it came to rushing the passer.

Zaven Collins, who signed a two-year contract extension during training camp, paced Arizona’s outside linebackers room with five sacks. Jesse Luketa and Dennis Gardeck each had three sacks apiece.

Getting another piece in the outside linebackers room isn’t just wanted, it’s needed.

With Luketa, Gardeck and midseason trade acquisition Baron Browning free agents this offseason and BJ Ojulari working his way back from a torn ACL suffered in training camp, the cupboard is pretty bare.

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