Cincinnati Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart has declared his ambitious goal for the 2025 NFL season: to earn the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. After joining the team following a protracted contract negotiation, Stewart has been focused on proving his worth on the field and improving steadily throughout training camp and preseason.
With Trey Hendrickson offering valuable mentorship despite contract uncertainties, Stewart is sharpening his defensive skills as he prepares for the regular season. The guidance from Hendrickson aligns closely with Stewart’s objective of making a significant impact as a first-year player.
Mentorship from Trey Hendrickson Enhances Stewart’s Growth
Stewart has consistently benefited from the advice of Trey Hendrickson, whose experience and insights are helping the rookie develop more efficient techniques to pressure the quarterback. Stewart acknowledges the importance of this support in his progression as a defender.
Having somebody like Trey giving his insight on things is very helpful,
Stewart shared.
He tells me how to do things better so I can make it to the quarterback a little bit faster, you know, just get a little better on one or two things.
—Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati Bengals rookie
This focus on refinement comes at a crucial time for Stewart, who posted modest college sack numbers with 4.5 sacks over three seasons at Texas A&M. Hendrickson’s coaching is targeting the nuances that could help Stewart increase his quarterback pressures and tackles for loss in the NFL.
Rookie Mindset Embracing Performance and Patience
While sacks are an important statistic for pass rushers, Stewart refuses to let numbers dictate his mindset. Instead, he emphasizes playing hard and letting production unfold naturally, understanding how pressure to achieve specific stats can hinder performance.
No, I learned, the more you think about sacks, the more they’re not going to happen,
Stewart explained.
So if it happens, it happens. So I’m just going to go out there, play my heart out, and if it happens, it happens.
—Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati Bengals rookie
This calm and realistic approach seemed to translate well in his preseason play, where Stewart showed noticeable improvement between the first two games. He raised his Pro Football Focus grade from 54.5 to 68.4 in just seven additional snaps played, signaling his capacity to adapt and learn quickly.
Stewart’s Progress Reflected in Preseason Performances
Through limited snaps, Shemar Stewart’s on-field development during preseason demonstrates encouraging signs as the Bengals prepare for their next game. His improved evaluation scores reflect growing confidence and a better grasp on the defensive schemes.
The rookie’s ability to assimilate feedback—particularly from Hendrickson—and apply it during actual gameplay highlights his commitment to excelling at the professional level. This progression bodes well as the regular season approaches.
Looking Ahead: Impact and Expectations for Stewart’s Debut Season
Shemar Stewart’s rookie campaign with the Cincinnati Bengals will be closely watched as he aims to make a mark among the league’s top defensive newcomers. The combination of mentorship from a seasoned player like Trey Hendrickson and Stewart’s self-driven attitude creates a promising foundation for his growth.
With the focus squarely on consistent playmaking rather than statistics, Stewart’s approach exemplifies a mature rookie mindset that could translate into significant contributions. Should he maintain this trajectory, he could emerge as a pivotal defensive presence for the Bengals in 2025 and beyond.