Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart shined on the first day of the 2025 NFL combine. As it pertains to the Indianapolis Colts, the defensive line seems to be a bit of an underrated need.

Thursday was the first day of the combine that on-field testing took place. Up first were the defensive linemen and linebackers. Stewart would go on to put on an all-time performance by the Relative Athletic Score (RAS) metric.

RAS takes all of the combine measurements and on-field tests and boils it down to a single figure that falls on a 0-10 scale. That's obviously a very simplified version of what takes place, but in short, the higher the RAS the better the athlete.

Kent Lee Platte, who developed this metric, has data that goes all the way back to 1987, and out of the 1,802 defensive end prospects who have registered an RAS during that span, Stewart ranks No. 1.

Stewart would total 39 pressures last season, according to PFF, although only two sacks. For what it's worth, he also graded out very well as a run defender.

For a closer look at Stewart, here is what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein said in his pre-draft report:

"Stewart is carved from granite, possessing a rare blend of traits, explosiveness and untapped upside. He's long and sudden off the snap but hasn't learned to weaponize his hands to control the point of attack and bypass protection with go-to moves. His bull-rush compresses the pocket off the edge, and he's too athletic for guards when reduced inside. He can be very disruptive in both phases but requires additional training to start converting his opportunities into finishes. The lack of production relative to the traits is a concern; still, players who move like him are highly coveted. While the boom-or-bust label might be in play, it feels like a matter of time before it all starts to click at a high level."

The defensive end position for the Colts could be in some flux this offseason. Dayo Odeyingbo is a free agent and Samson Ebukam is a potential cut candidate--although based on Chris Ballard's comments earlier in the week, it does sound like he could return.

However, as we saw in the Super Bowl, there is no such thing as too much front in the defensive trenches. The Eagles defensive line dominated that game.

Although the defensive line isn't registering as a top need, the Colts do need improved play. They gave up way too many big runs and ranked 22nd in pressure rate and 26th in sacks last season.

Stewart could be drafted in the neighborhood where the Colts are picking. We also know that Ballard is very willing to invest into this position group and loves premiere athletes.

It's more likely that the Colts will go in a different direction at pick No. 14, but I don't think selecting a defensive lineman is completely out of the question either.