With the NFL offseason in full swing, teams are beginning to turn their attention to the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams began to fill their most glaring needs in the first wave of free agency this week and will look to address their remaining weaknesses in April's draft.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in late February, this year's top prospects had the opportunity to improve their stock in front of scouts from around the NFL. One prospect who didn't get that chance is Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Turner, who sat out of on-field workouts at the combine due to a stress fracture in his leg. Turner also missed the 2025 Senior Bowl due to the leg injury.
Despite missing the combine, Turner is still projected as a third-round pick in the latest Athlon Sports mock draft, going to the Kansas City Chiefs at pick No. 95. Turner participated in team interviews at the combine in Indianapolis and should be ready for on-field workouts at Texas A&M's pro day on March 27.
The Chiefs would be an interesting destination for Turner, as he would have time to learn and develop on a Super Bowl contender. Wherever he gets drafted, Turner will likely serve as a depth piece along the defensive line for his first few seasons in the league. This would be the case in Kansas City, as the Chiefs currently have four defensive tackles under contract, including All-Pro Chris Jones.
A strong performance at Texas A&M's pro day could help Turner rise up the draft board. His decline in production in 2024 after a strong 2023 makes Turner a likely Day 2 pick in the draft, but his talent and measurables could make him a potential riser. The 6-foot-4 defensive tackle tallied two sacks and a forced fumble in 2024 for the Aggies compared to six sacks and an SEC-leading two forced fumbles in 2023.
Turner's injury could be a reason for his lack of production last season. After having surgery to repair the stress fracture prior to the 2024 season, the injury resurfaced and Turner played with the stress fracture for the entire season. By sitting out of the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, Turner gave his injury enough time to heal for his upcoming pro day.
A strong pro day from Turner would show teams that he has overcome the injury and will be ready to contribute right away in the NFL, which could cause him to rise up draft boards. While the Chiefs would be a good destination for the former Aggie, Turner will look to increase his stock before the 2025 NFL Draft in April.
Related: Former Aggie Dan Moore Signs with Tennessee Titans
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This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 7:53 PM.