The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Michigan EDGE Josaiah Stewart plans on taking full advantage. Stewart recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Stewart also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his pass-rush arsenal, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Stewart better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Josaiah Stewart: I believe I found out after practice. Coach Sherrone Moore came out with these little boxes in his hands (laughs). We were all wondering what was in the boxes. Who’s name is coach Moore going to call up?
He started calling up names and handing out boxes. I think my name was the last one to get called (laughs). I was getting kinda nervous. He called me up, I opened the box and saw the Reese’s Senior Bowl invite.
JM: I love that (laughs). What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Josaiah Stewart: I’m still looking to prove myself. The scouts have a lot of questions about my play style. They want to figure out how they can fit me into their scheme. I’m excited to get down to Mobile to show the scouts what I can do.
JM: Building on that then, what are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Josaiah Stewart: That I’m somebody they want to have on their team. I’m a gritty guy who is going to go out there and execute the plan. Whatever the scheme is, I’m going to work my butt off to fit into it.
JM: How would Josaiah Stewart write his own scouting report? Self-scout your traits and abilities for us.
Josaiah Stewart: I’m explosive and fast off the edge. I definitely have some power in my game, some hidden power. I have explosiveness when converting speed to power. I know how to find the ball. I elevate the guys around me and help them make plays as well. I’m going to pump my teammates up and vice versa. I want us all to feel that energy.
JM: You had 8.5 sacks this year at Michigan. You had a season at Coastal Carolina where you had 12.5 sacks, but you took a big step forward on a big stage at Michigan in 2024. Talk to me about taking that step. The jump from Coastal to Michigan is a big one. I thought you had a good first season with the Wolverines, but you got even better this year. Talk to me about putting that on tape.
Josaiah Stewart: I was looking forward to putting that progress on tape ever since I entered the portal. My first year at Michigan, I wasn’t initially a starter. I was rotating in with a bunch of other guys. In 2024, it was my year to step up and seize that role. I took my opportunity by the horns and ran with it.
JM: How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal? What are your go-to moves and counters?
Josaiah Stewart: I really like my straight-up speed off the edge. I feel like if I can get a tackle to respect my speed, if I get him on his toes, it opens up my pass-rush arsenal, my move set to inside counters as well. That’s when I start converting speed to power.
JM: Do you feel like you’re a three-down lineman at the next level? Can you stop the run on early downs?
Josaiah Stewart: 100% I can. I feel like I’ve proven that on tape time and time again. I’m always trying to swarm to the football. I might sound crazy, but I think it’s more fun to stop the run than it is to rush the passer. I know that sounds crazy (laughs). But when you can stop the run and control the man in front of you, it’s a great feeling to make an offense one-dimensional.
JM: You’re such an effective defender. Would you compare yourself to any rushers in the league? Anyone you enjoy studying and learning from?
Josaiah Stewart: I feel like I compare to Khalil Mack a little, especially early in his career. We play with similar violence and aggression. I admire his technique and his power.
Von Miller has been another guy I watch and admire of course. I’m a similar size comparison to Von Miller. The speed that he uses and his finesse, I’ve learned from that. He’s definitely a guy I’ve been watching for a long time.
I added Myles Garrett to that list recently. He’s a freak off the edge with what he can do, man. He can really limit an opposing offense. You really have to account for Myles Garrett when he’s on the field.
JM: Those are great rushers to learn from. The jersey swap is a big deal at the next level, Josaiah. Anyone you’re looking forward to adding to your collection?
Josaiah Stewart: If any of those guys are still in the league when I get there, Von Miller and Khalil Mack, I’d love to get one [a jersey swap] with them. Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt 100%. Those guys are dogs.
JM: What does Josaiah Stewart’s pre-game playlist look like?
Josaiah Stewart: I’m a big Future guy. I listen to a lot of Future. He’s up there. I listen to some Babyface Ray. There’s some rap on there. When I’m really trying to chill, I throw on some R&B, some afrobeats to settle my mind, the calm-before-the-storm vibe. I’m chilling, getting into my zone.
JM: This has been an amazing conversation. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Josaiah Stewart?
Josaiah Stewart: It means I gave it my all. I’m having fun. I’m going to learn from all of the coaches and players in attendance. Even the guys on offense, I want to learn about how they go about their business.
I’m ready to go learn.
