The Cincinnati Bengals are shaking things up on defense this offseason, and for good reason. While Joe Burrow and the offense continue to light up scoreboards, Al Golden's unit has been playing catch-up. This year, the front office made it a priority to close that gap—and the projected starting lineup reflects a major overhaul. But for one 2025 first-round pick, the writing on the wall is already raising eyebrows.

According to Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport, the Bengals' projected 2026 starting defense looks significantly stronger than last season's group. However, notably missing from the starting lineup is edge rusher Shemar Stewart, the team's first-round selection from just a year ago. Davenport's projection lists Boye Mafe and Myles Murphy as the starting edge rushers, with rookie second-rounder Cashius Howell also in the mix to potentially leapfrog Murphy. That means Stewart, a top pick, is currently on the outside looking in—and that's a tough look for any first-year pro.

The Bengals made two major splash moves this offseason: trading the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, and signing free agent edge rusher Boye Mafe. They also added veteran Jonathan Allen to bolster the interior defensive line. That's a complete makeover up front, with four new projected starters along the defensive line. But for Stewart, the writing is clear: he's not even in the conversation for a starting spot despite the position being wide open.

Stewart's rookie season was underwhelming, to say the least. In eight games, he managed just one sack, one pass defended, 11 tackles, two tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits. For a first-round pick expected to make an immediate impact, those numbers are far from encouraging. While it's still early to label him a full-blown bust—one season is hardly a career verdict—the fact that the Bengals are already looking elsewhere for edge production doesn't bode well for his long-term future in Cincinnati.

For Bengals fans hoping the defense finally matches the offense's firepower, the moves this offseason are a step in the right direction. But for those who bought into the Shemar Stewart hype, the projected depth chart is a sobering reminder that in the NFL, draft capital only gets you so far. Performance—and a crowded depth chart—matters most.