Absurd Stat Highlights Bengals Potential First-Round Draft Mistake

Past mistakes returned to haunt the Bengals at the end of Sunday's loss to the Steelers. On the game's final drive, the team had a chance to force overtime or win on a walkoff touchdown, but Derrick Harmon strip-sacked Joe Burrow, sealing the win for Pittsburgh.

That one play does not necessarily highlight the Bengals' mistake; what does is what they did with whom they picked over Harmon in the 2025 draft. Shemar Stewart did not log a single snap on Sunday on a defensive line that failed to generate much notable pressure.

Simply put, that is inexcusable on all sides. The Bengals drafted Stewart 17th overall in the 2025 draft, while the Steelers selected Harmon four spots later at pick 21. There have been no indications that Stewart dealt with an injury just hours before the game, calling into question the coaching staff's decision to keep Stewart on the bench.

Zac Taylor discussed the decision on Monday.

"We got a really good defensive end group, and all four of those guys played," Taylor saidd. "Thought they played well. There's going to be moments we get Shemar more involved. Yesterday just didn't work out that way. He's still nine practices in. Really started practicing three weeks ago."

Stewart Should Have Been On Field