Unstoppable Force: Bengals Rookie Shocking Coaches and Defying Expectations in Camp

Ever wonder what it takes for a rookie to turn heads right out of the gate—especially in a city as hungry for defensive dominance as Cincinnati? Well, Shemar Stewart’s arrival in Bengals camp might just answer that question… and then some. Picture this: a 280-pound edge rusher, once the last first-rounder unsigned in the entire league, now practically bulldozing through offensive lines with a mix of snap and sheer nastiness that’s impossible to ignore. You might’ve raised an eyebrow at Stewart’s modest college sack numbers, but watching him light up training camp, you start to think the Bengals might be onto a secret weapon — someone who could pivot a struggling defense into a force to be reckoned with. This isn’t just another rookie story; it’s the start of something potentially game-changing—and it’s happening right under our noses.

A Cincinnati Bengals helmet sits on the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. — (Photo by Justin Aller /Getty Images)

The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up their rookie signings by reaching an agreement with first-round pass rusher Shemar Stewart.

The 280-pound edge rusher from Texas A&M had been the final unsigned first-round pick across the league before both sides found common ground on his rookie deal.

Stewart has wasted little time making an impact since joining training camp as a full participant.

His combination of burst and physicality has stood out during early practices, drawing praise for his disruptive presence along the defensive line.

“Shemar Stewart has been DOMINATING the Bengals’ offensive line since he got back. Stewart will be a nightmare for opposing O-lines,” Dov Kleiman wrote with a practice clip.

𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Shemar Stewart has been DOMINATING the Bengals' offensive line since he got back

Stewart will be a nightmare for opposing O-lines. pic.twitter.com/KL1DB548VW

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 4, 2025

The Bengals selected Stewart despite pre-draft questions about his college production numbers.

His 4.5 sacks across 37 games at Texas A&M raised eyebrows among some analysts. Cincinnati viewed him as a traits-over-production prospect whose skill set could help fill the void left by Sam Hubbard’s retirement.

The team has taken a measured approach to Stewart’s development.

They have avoided overwhelming the rookie with too much responsibility early in camp.

However, Trey Hendrickson’s ongoing contract holdout could accelerate Stewart’s timeline for meaningful snaps.

Cincinnati’s defense struggled in 2024 despite Joe Burrow’s strong quarterback play. The unit’s poor performance contributed to the team missing the postseason.

Stewart’s emergence becomes even more critical given those defensive shortcomings from a year ago.

His early training camp performances suggest the rookie may exceed expectations.

The pass rusher’s natural ability to generate pressure could prove valuable for a defense looking to bounce back.

If Stewart continues progressing at this rate, he has the tools to become a cornerstone piece in Cincinnati’s defensive turnaround.

The post Bengals Rookie Is Turning Heads In Camp appeared first on The Cold Wire.