ArDarius Stewart, Alabama
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 204 lbs.
Arms: 32 1/2”
Hands: 9 3/8”
Vertical: 34”
40-yard dash: 4.49 seconds
It was quite odd that when I started my research on Stewart, the listed height for him ranged anywhere from 5’11” to 6’1”, which is a pretty big gap when talking about a wide receiver. At the NFL Combine, he came in at almost exactly 5’11”, which was short considering he weighs 204 pounds. Most wouldn’t believe it, but his size comparison is Jarvis Landry.
Opposite of Landry, Stewart plays much bigger than his size, running over defenders who get in his way. He was used all over the field with Alabama, lining up outside, in the slot, and in the backfield plenty of times. When taking in his film, there was even a play where they tossed him a lateral and had him drop back to pass, where he did not fail, completing a rocket to his tight end O.J. Howard. It made sense after finding out that he was a quarterback in high school.
If there’s one thing you should understand after watching Stewart, it’s that he’s a natural football player. All of his movements are fluid and his vision on the field is excellent. The fact that teams will be able to use him all over the field is a bonus, and one that should have him climbing up draft boards. He also seems to enjoy blocking, going through the whistle at certain times, finishing his blocking assignment.
His route running ability is solid, though nothing spectacular. His moves are fluid, though they are slow for a guy who is under six-feet tall. He more than makes up for that with his terrific hands and ability to run after the catch. In the open-field, Stewart is a force to be reckoned with. He isn’t the type to step out of bounds when he catches the ball, though if you’re the defender, you really wish he would. Stewart is a straight-up playmaker with the ball in his hands, and it’s something that will translate in the NFL.
The downside to Stewart is that he apparently comes with some baggage, as he was suspended by Alabama for “violating behavior rules,” per head coach Nick Saban. It’s unclear what he did exactly, but it’s likely a question that was presented to him at the NFL Combine. Hopefully this was a minor incident, because Stewart should be making an impact in the NFL, almost immediately.
Potential landing spot
He needs to get in with a team that will get creative in order to get him the ball. Think about the way the Bengals used to find ways to use Mohamed Sanu. Because of that, Stewart would fit in with a coordinator like Sean McVay who is now the head coach of the Rams. But if you read my Chris Godwin profile, you’d know that I already think the Rams have their eyes on him. In a contingency, Stewart would make an excellent replacement. The next team on the list for me would be the Saints, or wherever Sean Payton is. Other potential suitors could be the Steelers, Seahawks, and 49ers.
NFL comparison
I’ve heard a lot of comparisons to Jarvis Landry, but I don’t think that’s completely accurate. Their size and the way they’re used is very similar, however, Stewart is a much more physical runner with the ball in his hands, while Landry is somewhat finesse. If you want to dig deeper, combine Ty Montgomery with Steve Smith, and I think they make a comparable Stewart. He can be used at running back and wide receiver, while running over defenders who get in his way, despite his small stature.
To read up on some of the other high-profile NFL Draft prospects, check out the links below:
Corey Davis – (WR, Western Michigan)
Mike Williams – (WR, Clemson)
John Ross – (WR, Washington)
Taywan Taylor – (WR, Western Kentucky)
JuJu Smith-Schuster – (WR, USC)
Chris Godwin – (WR, Penn State)
Ep. 71: Early Mock Draft & March Madness
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Mike Tagliere is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeTagliereNFL.
