Chris Stewart

Physical Profile

Stewart possesses a lean, athletic build that is well-suited for the wide receiver position. At 6-foot-0 and 175 pounds, he has a frame that can add more muscle mass without sacrificing his explosive athletic traits. His most notable physical assets are his speed and acceleration, backed by verified track times of 11.10 in the 100-meter dash and 22.24 in the 200-meter dash as a sophomore. These times translate to the field, where he demonstrates the ability to consistently run past defenders. While his height is adequate, he will need to add strength to effectively combat physical defensive backs at the next level.

Play Style

On film, Stewart is a dynamic playmaker who excels in space. He is a vertical threat who consistently challenges the top end of the defense. He shows good hands and the ability to track the deep ball effectively. As a runner after the catch, he is sudden and has the speed to turn short gains into long touchdowns. He plays with a competitive edge and has a knack for finding the end zone, as evidenced by his 15 receiving touchdowns during his junior season.

Strengths

• Explosive Speed and Acceleration: Stewart's most defining trait is his verified speed. He exhibits excellent initial burst off the line of scrimmage and possesses the top-end speed to be a legitimate deep threat on every snap.
• Big-Play Ability: He has a proven track record of creating explosive plays, both as a receiver and a returner. In his junior season, he averaged 15.4 yards per catch and was a dangerous weapon in the return game, with two punt return touchdowns.
• Versatility: Scouting reports suggest he has the skill set to be effective from both the slot and on the boundary. His speed makes him a threat on go-routes and post patterns, while his quickness allows him to be a dangerous option on screens and jet sweeps.

Areas to Improve

• Route Running Nuance: While his raw speed is a major asset, he will need to continue to refine his route-running to become a more complete receiver. Developing a more diverse release package and learning to set up defenders will be crucial for his success at the collegiate level.
• Functional Strength: Adding strength will be important to improve his ability to beat press coverage and win contested-catch situations against bigger, more physical cornerbacks in the Big 12.

College Projection

Stewart projects as a multi-year starter at a Power Five program with the potential to be an impact player. His speed and big-play ability should allow him to see the field early in his career in a rotational role and on special teams. As he refines his route-running and adds strength, he has the potential to develop into a primary receiving target and an all-conference-level performer. His commitment to a high-powered offense like the University of Texas is a good fit for his skill set.

NFL Outlook

Given his verified speed and production against strong high school competition in Texas, Stewart possesses the raw tools that will attract the attention of NFL scouts. If he continues to develop and has a productive collegiate career, he has the potential to be a mid-round NFL Draft selection with the upside to become a starting-caliber receiver at the professional level. His value will be particularly high for teams looking to add a vertical threat to their offense.

Best Fit

Stewart is an excellent fit for a spread offense that prioritizes vertical passing and getting its playmakers the ball in space. A program with a strong quarterback and a creative offensive coordinator who will utilize his speed on deep routes, screens, and jet sweeps will maximize his talents. His commitment to the University of Texas aligns well with this, as their offensive scheme has a history of producing explosive plays from the wide receiver position.