Should the 49ers consider Dylan Stewart next offseason?
It’s time for another summer scouting article for the San Francisco 49ers. In this instance, we’ll cover South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart, who is debatably the top defender in the draft and could be an option for Kyle Shanahan’s squad next offseason.
Before we begin, let's note the importance of summer scouting. This article isn’t a declaration saying that the 49ers must draft Dylan Stewart or that he’s a perfect prospect. It’s far too early for that, as plenty will change during the season. Instead, it’s intended to identify Stewart as a talented player who could be a target next offseason.
Having said that, it’s time to dive into a scouting report for South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart.
Stewart, the six-foot-five, 245-pound junior, has had two productive seasons with the Gamecocks, totalling 11 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in his young career. His ELITE athleticism, pass-rush refinement, and promise as a run defender make him arguably the top defender in the nation and a likely first-round pick next April.
Stewart is the most explosive edge rusher in college football. He has a blazing first step and superb lateral agility that helps him easily beat his blocker. Often, he can reach the backfield untouched and create instant penetration after the snap. Additionally, he’s a triple threat pass rusher who can win with speed around the edge, power through the blocker’s chest, and with his arsenal of pass rush moves. Even if a blocker grasps Stewart, his violent hands let him separate and shed the contact.
He’s not a polished run defender yet, but Stewart’s more than capable of developing in the area. He pairs his aforementioned athleticism with staggering lower-body strength that helps him battle against stronger offensive linemen. Beyond that, he’s always in the correct position and uses his high IQ to set the edge. He isn’t consistent yet, as his unreliable leverage results in him being eliminated from plays, but that’s improvable with coaching.
Despite playing 11 games last year, Stewart suffered a major, nagging back injury in 2025, which limited him. After the season, head coach Shane Beamer described it as playing with “basically a broken back”. This was evident in his run defense as his strength and consistency were hampered. As a result, returning fully healthy and showcasing he’s back to 100% is pivotal in solidifying his stock in the first round.
Even with his injury questions, Dylan Stewart is an enticing option for the 49ers. Their edge rusher room has ample talent with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, but they haven’t stayed available. Because of this, investing in another dynamic option would be wise. It’s still early, but Stewart could be their long-term answer and unlock their defensive line.
