Michigan standout earns Player of the Week honors after incredible showing in USC win
Hail to the victors and the recognition that comes with wins. The Michigan Wolverines were triumphant in a nail-biter against USC in Week 4. At the heart of the win was the incredible performance from linebacker Josaiah Stewart. Stewart, a senior in his second season with the Wolverines, had the finest game of his career […]
Hail to the victors and the recognition that comes with wins. The Michigan Wolverines were triumphant in a nail-biter against USC in Week 4. At the heart of the win was the incredible performance from linebacker Josaiah Stewart.
Stewart, a senior in his second season with the Wolverines, had the finest game of his career at a good time. The 2023 transfer addition was on the cusp of stardom on Michigan's title-winning team last year, but he took full control of the game on Saturday.
Unsurprisingly, NFL evaluators are noticing, and Stewart is seeing his 2025 NFL Draft stock rise.
Both the East-West Shrine Bowl and Reese's Senior Bowl shared that Stewart earned Defensive Player of the Week honors. He logged four tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, and forced a fumble. Without a doubt, Michigan would not have prevailed if Stewart had done less.
With 14 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks on the season, Stewart has become one of the Big Four on the Wolverines' defense. Mason Graham and Will Johnson are in the top of our 2025 NFL Draft Big Board, and Stewart will be a riser with this performance.
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We're excited to see what else Stewart will show throughout this season.
Josaiah Stewart Scouting Report
Stewart emerges as a promising EDGE rusher with significant potential for immediate third-down impact. His quick initial burst and varied techniques in pass rushing are well-suited for the NFL, positioning him as a potential key player in specialized packages immediately. Initially likely to be used in specific pass-rush situations, Stewart can evolve into a full-time player.
His build and athletic ability are ideal for a contemporary EDGE player, offering flexibility in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive alignments. Stewart’s capacity to transition into coverage enhances his utility in zone blitz schemes. His relentless energy and chase-down ability will make him a favorite among coaches, likely securing him a vital role in special teams at the start of his career.
For Stewart to achieve his maximum potential as a starting player, he needs to bolster his strength for play and fine-tune his run defense techniques. By incorporating more power into his approach without compromising his speed, he stands to become a formidable presence in every play.
His record against premier opponents indicates a solid baseline, with the chance to surpass expectations based on his draft standing if his growth continues.
