Texas A&M once again sent a talented group of defenders to the 2025 NFL Draft, continuing the program’s tradition of producing tough, resilient, and NFL-ready talent. With multiple Aggies hearing their names called and others quickly signing as undrafted free agents, A&M’s impact on the next level remains strong.
Much of that defensive success can be traced to the influence of the late Terry Price, the legendary defensive line coach who helped mold players into rugged, disruptive forces. Among them were Cleveland’s Myles Garrett and Baltimore’s Nnamdi Madubuike. Here’s a full look at how each Texas A&M defender performed during draft weekend — and where they fit at the next level.
Drafted: Round 1, Pick 17
Grade: A+
Shemar Stewart, a 6-foot-5, 267-pound defensive lineman and edge rusher, brings rare huge size, powerful explosiveness and defensive upside to the Cincinnati Bengals after being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft with the No. 17 overall pick. Stewart ran an impressive 4.59-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 40-inch vertical at the Combine, showcasing the athleticism that makes him a high-ceiling prospect despite his lack of production. While the Aggie junior has a quick initial burst, raw power and a relentless motor, Stewart has battled injuries and can be an inconsistent, low-producing athlete at times.
With further development under defensive coordinator Al Golden, Stewart has the physical tools to become a dominant interior pass rusher, drawing early comparisons to legendary Kansas City Chiefs player Chris Jones. Stewart now joins former Texas A&M teammate defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and could benefit greatly from learning alongside veteran Trey Hendrickson if he remains on the roster.
“You’re pairing the NFL sack leader with the most disruptive player from the best defensive line in the SEC, a coordinator who won the Broyles, and a position coach (Jerry Montgomery) who played a major role in developing Rashan Gary,” said Bengals scout in charge of Texas A&M Christian Sarkisian. “Great fit for a high ceiling, smart and responsible player with rare power and explosiveness.”
Drafted: Round 2, Pick 19 (No. 51 overall)
Grade: A-
Nic Scourton, a 6-foot-2¾, 257-pound edge rusher, heads to Carolina after a standout junior season at Texas A&M. After transferring from Purdue to play his final year in his hometown, Bryan-College Station, Scourton posted 14 tackles for loss and five sacks. Despite Texas A&M’s rocky year, Scourton showcased explosive first-step quickness, a strong motor and a full pass-rush arsenal.
At just 21 years old, he remains a moldable prospect, joining defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s system with the potential to grow into a consistent impact player. That is, if he’s given the right coaching and opportunities. Tackling consistency remains a concern, but his spin move and ability to shoot gaps make him an intriguing long-term investment.
“I think (I’m) just a resilient guy,” said Scourton. “Coming to the game with great game plans, really good understanding of how to rush and things like that. I think I’m instinctive player while also being a very smart player. You can see I’m thinking on the field. I think I’m very physical, so I think I’ll fit right in.”
Drafted: Round 2, Pick 30 (No. 62 overall)
Grade: B
A 6-foot-3⅛, 290-pound defensive lineman, Turner built his reputation at Texas A&M as a relentless, aggressive force in the defensive trenches. In 2024, he started 12 games for the Aggies, recording 36 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass breakup and one forced fumble. Quick and powerful off the snap, Turner brings violent hands and an aggressive play style, though he sometimes struggles to fully leverage his size.
Projected as a run-stopping interior lineman at the next level, he joins defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s system and draws early comparisons to Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, also an Aggie. Turner also helped anchor the Aggies’ defensive line alongside NFL-bound teammates Shemar Stewart and Scourton. He is bound to make a difference in Chicago.
“It kind of feels surreal, man,” Turner said. “I’m not going to lie. It’s just a dream, bro. It’s something I’ve been dreaming about my whole life. Being able to play in the NFL and being able to make a name for myself and create a legacy for my family and our last name, it feels good, bro. I’ll forever be known now. It’s just the start of a long legacy.”
Texas A&M’s 2025 draft class once again proved the program’s ability to produce physical, NFL-ready defenders. With a strong foundation built under Price, the Aggies’ newest pros bring size, athleticism and toughness to their new teams. While some players may need time to develop, the talent, work ethic and upside are clear. If given the right coaching and opportunity, Texas A&M’s latest group of defensive standouts could make a major impact at the next level — and continue the Aggies’ growing legacy in the NFL trenches.
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