The Detroit Lions’ front office continues to focus on building a championship-caliber roster, and the latest indication of their commitment to improving their team comes through their official Top 30 visit with one of the most highly touted prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class — Shemar Stewart. The Lions’ decision to bring in Stewart, a star defensive lineman from the University of Miami, underscores the team’s intent to reinforce its defensive unit, and it offers a unique opportunity to examine both the player and the team’s strategy in its ongoing pursuit of success.
Who is Shemar Stewart?
Shemar Stewart is a 6-foot-5, 282-pound defensive lineman who has quickly made a name for himself as one of the premier defensive prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Hailing from Opa-locka, Florida, Stewart attended Monsignor Pace High School, where he became a dominant force on the field. Throughout his high school career, Stewart was highly regarded for his size, athleticism, and ability to disrupt plays from the defensive line. His combination of physical traits and skills made him one of the most coveted recruits in his class, earning him a spot in the prestigious 2022 All-American Bowl.
After committing to the University of Miami, Stewart played two seasons with the Hurricanes, showing tremendous promise in his freshman and sophomore years. His raw talent and potential were evident, as he quickly became one of the team’s key contributors on defense. Stewart’s playmaking ability, power, and knack for getting to the quarterback made him a standout in the ACC, and his upside is considered one of the highest among defensive linemen in this draft class.
The Importance of the Top 30 Visit
The “Top 30 visit” is a special designation in the NFL Draft process where teams are allowed to bring in up to 30 players to meet with their front office and coaching staff. These visits give teams a closer look at a prospect’s character, personality, and ability to handle the pressure of playing in the NFL. They also provide teams an opportunity to gauge how well a player might fit into their existing culture and system. These visits are often reserved for the best prospects, and when a team like the Detroit Lions brings in a player of Shemar Stewart’s caliber, it speaks volumes about the importance of the individual to their draft strategy.
For the Lions, Stewart’s visit could provide valuable insight into his mental makeup, his understanding of the game, and his overall readiness for the NFL. While the team’s coaching staff and front office are likely already familiar with his on-field performance, this visit is a chance to dig deeper into his intangibles and get a firsthand look at how he might fit into the Lions’ defensive scheme.
Why Shemar Stewart Makes Sense for the Lions
The Detroit Lions’ defense has long been a point of focus for the team’s front office, and this draft offers a crucial opportunity to shore up the defensive line. For a team aiming to compete in the NFC North and beyond, it’s vital to build a well-rounded, disruptive defense. A player like Shemar Stewart could be the key to achieving that goal.
1. Pass Rush and Disruption
One of the most appealing aspects of Stewart’s game is his ability to pressure the quarterback. In today’s NFL, an elite pass rusher is a game-changer, and Stewart possesses the tools to make an immediate impact in this area. His size and strength allow him to dominate offensive linemen, while his quick first step and ability to change direction enable him to get around blockers and to the quarterback. This combination of power and agility makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and the Lions would undoubtedly benefit from his ability to create chaos in the backfield.
Detroit’s pass rush has been inconsistent in recent years, and adding a player like Stewart would provide an instant boost. His ability to collapse the pocket, both inside and outside, would help take pressure off the team’s edge rushers and provide the defensive line with a more balanced attack. The Lions have already made strides in improving their defense, and adding a dynamic pass rusher like Stewart would go a long way toward solidifying their front seven.
2. Run Defense and Versatility
In addition to his pass-rushing prowess, Stewart is also an exceptional run defender. His ability to anchor against the run is a critical component of his game, and it is a skill that is highly valued in Detroit. The Lions’ defense has struggled against the run in recent seasons, and having a strong, physical presence like Stewart on the line would help alleviate this issue. His ability to set the edge, clog up running lanes, and disrupt plays at or behind the line of scrimmage would significantly improve the team’s run defense.
Moreover, Stewart’s versatility makes him even more attractive to the Lions. He has the ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end, giving the coaching staff flexibility in how they utilize him. This versatility would allow the Lions to move Stewart around the defensive line, creating mismatches and making it difficult for opposing offenses to game plan against him.
3. Character and Leadership
Another aspect that makes Stewart an appealing target for the Lions is his character and leadership abilities. He has been praised for his work ethic, focus, and ability to inspire his teammates. A player like Stewart, who possesses both the physical tools and the right mindset, can be a foundational piece of a team’s defense for years to come. Detroit has focused on building a strong locker room culture under head coach Dan Campbell, and Stewart’s leadership qualities would fit well with the team’s overall philosophy.
The Lions’ Defensive Needs
While the Detroit Lions have made considerable strides on offense, the defense remains a key area of focus. The Lions have shown flashes of promise on defense, but there are still numerous holes to address, particularly in the front seven. The team’s defensive line has shown potential, but they have lacked a true game-changer in the middle of the defensive line. This is where Stewart comes in — his ability to dominate both as a pass rusher and a run defender would immediately strengthen the Lions’ defensive front.
In addition to Stewart’s skills, the Lions will be looking for players who can contribute both immediately and in the long term. Stewart’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism would make him a day-one starter, and his upside is significant. The Lions have been working diligently to build a balanced roster, and Stewart could be a key building block on the defensive side of the ball for years to come.
The Draft Outlook
The Detroit Lions are in an excellent position heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, holding multiple valuable picks in both the first and second rounds. The team is looking to add impact players at key positions, and Stewart’s inclusion in their Top 30 visits suggests they have serious interest in him.
However, the Lions aren’t the only team vying for Stewart’s services. With his combination of size, athleticism, and production, he is expected to be a high pick in the draft, and several other teams with defensive needs may also be targeting him. The Lions’ decision to host Stewart for a visit is an indication of how highly they view him, but ultimately, they will need to evaluate how he fits into their long-term plans and whether he aligns with their overall strategy.
The 2023 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the Lions, and Shemar Stewart could be one of the key players they add to their roster. If the Lions are able to secure his services, Stewart could help transform their defense into one of the most formidable units in the NFC.