Josaiah Stewart has anchored the Michigan pass rush since his transfer from Coastal Carolina in 2023. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report and film analysis on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, and Early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report of Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart
Measurables:
- 6’1”
- 245 lbs
Player Background:
Josaiah Stewart started his collegiate career with the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, joining as a three-star prospect in the 2021 class. He put up his best season in his first year there, tallying 12.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles-for-loss, and three forced fumbles. He was held more in check during the 12 games he played in his second year. His sophomore campaign was still impactful, putting up 3.5 sacks with 10 TFLs and another FF.
He transferred to Michigan that offseason as a four-star transfer recruit. His first season with the Wolverines was solid, tacking on 5.5 sacks with 8.5 TFLs and two pass deflections en route to a National Championship. Stewart announced his return for his senior season and remained an important piece on their defensive line. He accumulated 8.5 sacks in 11 games with two forced fumbles and 33 tackles
Accolades:
- Freshman All-American (2021)
- First Team All-Sun Belt (2021)
- Second Team All-Sun Belt (2022)
- Honorable Mention All-Big 10 (2023)
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (2023, 2024)
- Second Team All-Big Ten (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
Stewart’s explosiveness and determination throughout the play are his most obvious play strengths. He fires off the line, clears tackles quickly on the outside, and pursues the ball carrier in the backfield with high intent. He’s an all-around fast mover, with fantastically sharp arm and hand work. He flies around the edge and can both rip past tackles with viciousness and supplement consistent leg drive with upper body force that generates dominant bull rushes.
He’s simply relentless when attacking at the line, making late stops in the run, and tracking down scrambling QBs. Stewart is able to set the edge decently well on option plays, forcing the ball to the other side of the field. His shoulder stability is impressive and he’s able to maintain edge leverage and shift his momentum toward the backfield. His athleticism lets him drop into coverage when needed, closing out safety valves with precision and speed.
Weaknesses/Cons:
Stewart could see significant struggles against top tackles in the NFL because of his undersized frame. He has the compact strength to see success as a pass rusher, but he could get stuck between larger linemen. Being a speed rusher, he needs to increase his hip fluidity to bend down and work below tackles. He doesn’t have the power to use momentum to throw tackles aside and can get worked too far outside.
He’ll have to develop his inside move package to maximize his pressure and sack potential, exclusively trying to work outside at times. Stewart’s vision into the backfield can get too far-sighted, causing some awareness issues against some schemes. His burst is noticeably slower in a three-point stance, limiting his alignment versatility. He tends to rely on timing too much with explosion from his lower body and can get caught off balance.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
His size limits Stewart’s three-down potential, but he has the skillset of a wildly effective pass rusher. His tenacity off the edge will wear down tackles and get into the backfield in a hurry, making him very projectable as a pass rush specialist. He has issues against the run, mostly because of his frame, but has the rawness and explosiveness to provide excellent aid for teams lacking pass-rush production.
Prospect Grade:
- Late 3rd Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. USC
- 2024 vs. Illinois
- 2024 vs. Texas
Main Photo: [Junfu Han] – USA Today Sports
