M.J. Stewart

A three-year starter at North Carolina, Stewart played primarily in the boundary (both outside and inside) and was equally effective in press and off-coverages. He lacks elite long-speed for the position, but displays the start/stop quickness to stay on top of routes and make athletic plays in coverage. His aggressive nature might be his best and worse trait, showing NFL-level tackling and rerouting skills, but he isn’t shy grabbing receivers or clobbering at the catch point, drawing penalties. BACKGROUND Stewart came off the bench as a true freshman and posted 26 tackles and two interceptions. He became a starter as a sophomore and led the team with four interceptions and 18 passes defended, adding 62 tackles and one forced fumble. Stewart started all 13 games as a junior in 2016 and recorded 66 tackles, 11 passes defended and two forced fumbles, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors. He returned for his senior season and again earned All-ACC Honorable Mention honors with 45 tackles and 12 passes defended."

in our view

Stewart is quicker than fast with natural ball awareness and toughness to see early NFL playing time as a versatile nickel defender, but he will be a flag magnet until he adds more subtlety to his physical play style.

strengths

Competes with the right mindset for the position. Not tall, but well-put-together. Physical appetite in press and looks to disrupt the rhythm of the route. Turns his head to find the football. Highly aggressive at the catch point. Ball awareness and timing are assets – set the school career record with 47 passes defended. Quick-footed and flexible hip. Efficient drive quickness from off-coverage. Sound, but physical open-field tackler. Lowers his pads and drives through his target, finishing with strong hands. Routinely forces the quarterback to move his feet as a blitzer. Durable and didn’t miss a game the last four seasons because of injury. Experienced at inside and outside cornerback. Stepped in as the main punt returner in 2017, averaging 11.3 yards per return (15/170/0). – Dane Brugler 2/2/2018

weaknesses

Lack of deep speed limits his ability to carry receivers vertically. Can be dusted off the line if he misses his jam. Doesn’t have an extra gear to close ground in pursuit. Too grabby in coverage, looking like a kid in a toy store on a 60-second shopping spree. Physical to the ball, but often overly physical. Not a twitchy mover and will struggle to recover after a misstep. Zero interceptions the past two seasons. Shorter than ideal to match up vs. bigger receivers. Misjudges speed in his pursuit angles. Off-field decision-making will be put under a microscope – charged with misdemeanor assault (along with former teammate Mike Hughes) following a 3 a.m. fight at a fraternity house (Oct. 2015), which left a victim unconscious with a broken nose; he was suspended two games and pled guilty, agreeing to do 100 hours of community service and restitutions. – Dane Brugler 2/2/2018

Played in the Chesapeake Bowl in Virginia Beach, Va.

Ranked the No. 28 cornerback in the country and the No. 13 player in Virginia by Rivals.com

Considered the No. 36 safety in the nation by 247sports.com

Played a variety of positions at Yorktown, including running back, wide receiver, safety and cornerback

Ran for 1,428 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior

Twice named first-team All-Met by The Washington Post

Earned his conference's offensive player of the year as a junior and also picked up All-Northeast Region and all-district honors

Piled up 1,842 yards rushing, 323 receiving and 32 total touchdowns on offense as a junior

Defensively, he had 77 tackles, 10 interceptions (returned one for a touchdown) and returned three punts for scores

Had six interceptions and returned two for scores as a sophomore

Coached by Bruce Hanson.

If he could choose an NFL team to play for, it would be the Eagles

His dream job is a fitness trainer at his own gym

His favorite off-day activity is watching Netflix

If he could guest star on a reality TV show, it would be “Real World”

The people who had the biggest impact on his life are his parents Marvin Stewart Sr. and Rhonda Mayfield

Exercise and sport science major.

2017

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
5.0	2.0	45.0	0.0	12.0	2.0	33.0

kickReturns
LONG	YDS	NO	TD	AVG
23.0	36.0	2.0	0.0	18.0

puntReturns
AVG	NO	TD	LONG	YDS
11.3	15.0	0.0	41.0	170.0

2016

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
1.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
3.5	0.0	66.0	0.0	11.0	0.0	48.0

2015

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
0.0	5.3	21.0	4.0