South Carolina star projected as future top five NFL Draft pick
This offseason, South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers and EDGE Dylan Stewart have dominated the individual player storylines among current Gamecocks. Sellers has had his name mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate. Stewart, however, has been labeled universally as a top-10 player in the country. Some have called him a top-five guy with No. 1 defensive player upside.
That hype continued for the rising sophomore as Pro Football Focus (PFF) released their early look at the 2027 NFL Draft. According to the outlet, Stewart will be a top-five pick once eligible. PFF lists him as the No. 4 prospect and No. 2 EDGE ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft. Only Texas EDGE Colin Simmons (No. 3 overall) was ahead of him at the position. Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore (No. 2 overall) and Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith (No. 1 overall) were ahead, too. PFF argues that Stewart could push even higher before 2027 arrives.
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Said PFF about Stewart: “Stewart is the freakiest athlete the Gamecocks have had at edge defender since Jadeveon Clowney was launching helmets over a decade ago. And like Clowney, he has the upside of becoming a No. 1 overall pick if he keeps up this trajectory.
“The former five-star recruit earned a 91.4 pass-rush grade as just a true freshman, tied for sixth among all edges in America. His 51 pressures were tied for second among returning Power Four edge rushers as well. Stewart needs to get a bit stronger so he can set the edge better in the run game, but he’s already the most fearsome pass-rusher in college football thanks to his physical gifts.”
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Stewart was a Freshman All-American in 2024 and picked up multiple other honors following a strong debut season in college football. If he takes a step forward in his second campaign, more recognition will come. Expectations from around the country seem to be that the Gamecock EDGE could challenge Kyle Kennard’s and Jadeveon Clowney’s 2024 and 2012 seasons for the title of “best ever.”
South Carolina has had just two top-five picks in program history. Both George Rogers and the aforementioned Clowney were the top picks in 1981 and 2014, respectively. While there is one more draft between now and Stewart’s eligibility, NFL eyes will be on him all year, nonetheless.