(Photo: © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images, 247Sports)
The Chicago Bears went into the offseason with the goal of revamping the defensive line in free agency and the NFL Draft. And part of that revamp took place when the franchise selected defensive tackle Shemar Turner with the 62nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Labeled as a defensive lineman with a high motor who plays with an aggressive mentality, Turner will join a defensive tackle group that includes veterans Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter, and Andrew Billings.
But for Turner, he's been adamant about wanting to standout and very quickly make a name for himself as he acclimates to life in the NFL. His college tape shows a player who makes getting after the quarterback and making his presence felt a priority.
Turner's fit in the Bears defense:
Transitioning to Dennis Allen's defense means the Bears will be playing in a four-man front for the upcoming season. While he is listed as a defensive tackle, Turner can play all over the defensive line. This allows Allen to get creative and line Turner up over the center as a 0-tech, as a 1-tech, 3-tech, or even 4-tech if needed.
Turner's versatility makes the rest of the defensive line expendable. It's also expected that he becomes a part of the rotation at defensive tackle while becoming a key part of the Bears sub-packages on defense.
What people inside Halas Hall are saying:
"He plays our brand of ball," said Ryan Poles. "High motor. Passionate about ball. We will feel him on the practice field, as well as in games."
The Bears clearly want to see Turner later this month in training camp and during games. From the franchise's perspective, he has a real opportunity to walk into Soldier Field this season and very quickly set the tone for what Allen is looking to do on defense. Turner has made it a priority to have a presence that opposing offenses will feel.
Expectations for the 2025 season:
This is where the conversation gets interesting for Turner. He does have Jarrett, Dexter, and Billings ahead of him on the depth chart but the positive is that his versatility allows him to play both defensive tackle and defensive end.
A deeper dive into Turner's role with the team as a rookie will mean that while he is a part of the rotation the Bears will establish, he also has a real chance to stand out, making impactful plays to help the defense build momentum.
The midway point of the season is where everything should really click for Turner. After a few weeks of self-scouting, his athleticism and strength should start to flash on tape because he'll start to put it all together.
Conclusion:
Turner's reputation is one that makes him a high-energy, positive, and motivated player who clearly loves the game of football. He plays with a certain passion and is willing to do anything needed to win.
Despite the veterans he will be competing against and playing with throughout the duration of the season, Turner has a real chance to become a building block for the foreseeable future on a team that's going to have a very different identity in 2025.
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