UNC’s MJ Stewart Impresses at Senior Bowl

Even with college football season concluded, dozens of players and scouts have descended upon Mobile, Alabama for the annual Senior Bowl, a chance for draft prospects to impress potential NFL teams.

The event allows senior players to meet with scouts and general managers, practice with NFL coaching, and participate in one last game before the NFL Combine in March. It is one step along the long journey that prospects take before the NFL Draft. Some famous alumni from the event include Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

Although this year’s event has just begun, one players who has impressed scouts is former North Carolina cornerback MJ Stewart.

Stewart, who played in 49 career games with the Tar Heels, measured in at 5 feet 10 inches, 195 pounds with 31.5-inch arms. For a cornerback, that is ideal size for the NFL. He nabbed six interceptions during his collegiate career and played extensively on both sides of the field in coverage.

On the first day of drills, Stewart was one of the prospects that stood out to scouts and analysts alike.

I don’t think I counted a single rep where MJ Stewart lost in the one on ones. Great performance here on day one.

— Jonah Tuls (@JonahTulsNFL) January 23, 2018

UNC CB MJ Stewart is simply dominating 1v1s. Pattern matching to perfection and playing the football beautifully. #SeniorBowl

— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) January 23, 2018

This year’s Senior Bowl features many talented receiver and quarterback prospects, such as Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield and Oklahoma State WR James Washington, so the fact that Stewart was able to separate himself from the competition speaks volumes to his ability and skill.

But perhaps the biggest compliment of all came from Stewart’s former defensive coordinator, Gene Chizik, who coached Stewart at Carolina from 2015-16.

I’ve had 3 Thorpe Award Winners on my defenses. MJ is as good as any of the 3. He is a first round pick if the NFL teams truly do their homework. Absolutely loves ball and has a relentless work ethic. Flat BALLER!

— Gene Chizik (@CoachGeneChizik) January 23, 2018

Stewart’s performance at the Senior Bowl will not go unnoticed by NFL scouts. A great performance in Mobile could boost his draft stock and continue North Carolina’s strong performance in the NFL Draft in recent years. This year’s NFL Draft will be held in Arlington, Texas at AT&T Stadium beginning on April 26.