2027 Summer Scouting Report: Dylan Stewart, Edge Rusher from South Carolina

As summer unfolds, it signals the start of scouting season, a time when college football enthusiasts begin to identify promising talent for the upcoming NFL draft. This year, our focus turns to various positions, including quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and edge rushers, all of which could impact the rosters of teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This scouting report aims to equip fans with knowledge about key players who may soon be in the spotlight.

Dylan Stewart, a standout edge rusher from South Carolina, is turning heads as he heads into the 2026 season. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, the Washington, D.C. native is a graduate of Friendship Collegiate Academy and is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science. His accolades thus far are impressive: he was named a Freshman All-American, earned SEC Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors, and received Second-Team All-SEC recognition, accumulating 22.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks over his career.

Stewart's on-field performance demonstrates his impressive athleticism and skill set. He exhibits exceptional quickness off the line and possesses the length and agility necessary to challenge offensive tackles effectively. His ability to bend around linemen allows him to exploit their weaknesses, often forcing them into early reactions. With 61 hurries and a notable pass-rush grade of 91.4 in 2024, his potential as a disruptive force is evident.

Despite his success, Stewart's development is ongoing. While his physical attributes are remarkable, his technique requires refinement. He has shown flashes of a rip move and a quick recovery when losing balance, yet maintaining consistent balance while cornering remains a challenge. His coverage skills also need improvement, as he sometimes struggles with decision-making in zone responsibilities, occasionally leaning too much on physicality rather than technique.

What makes Stewart particularly compelling is the blend of his current accomplishments and potential for growth. He has already made significant contributions in the competitive SEC, and with further technical refinement, he could evolve into a more reliable and well-rounded defender. Among edge prospects for the upcoming season, Stewart is firmly positioned among the elite, making him a player to watch closely as the 2026 college football season unfolds.