Chicago Bears second-round pick committed to major change before NFL leap

After going offense with their first three selections of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears finally went defense with pick No. 62 in the second-round. Now, defensive lineman Shemar Turner is expected to fill a versatile role across Chicago’s defensive line.

Turner may not be the edge rusher that Bears fans were expecting. However, it’s clear that Chicago needed help all over the defensive line. As he continues to develop into a pivotal piece of the Bears’ defense, Turner is sure to still bring chaos to opposing team’s backfields.

However, the rookie understands that there are areas of his game his must clean up to succeed at the NFL level. Namely, unnecessary penalty calls. He was flagged for seven personal fouls during his final season at Texas A&M and has lost his temper on the field at times. But Turner is committed to growing as a person as much as he is a player. As he prepares to join the Bears, Turner understands his mental game must be on another level in the NFL, via CHGO Bears.

“Playing with an edge, playing with fire, but you gotta control it,” Turner said. “There’s a line. You gotta keep it right on a line, and I’ll have a great career.”

Shemar Turner on limiting personal fouls in the pros: “Playing with an edge, playing with fire, but you gotta control it. There’s a line. You gotta keep it right on a line, and I’ll have a great career.”

Turner had seven personal fouls last season at Texas A&M.

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) April 26, 2025

Shemar Turner bring different element to Chicago Bears

Turner may officially be listed as a defensive tackle, however, he played all over the defensive line during his time with Texas A&M. In fact, he set a bit of history by consistently playing all five positions across the line, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN.

Shemar Turner is about as versatile as they come. He’s 1 of only 5 FBS players with 200+ snaps at all 5 possible DL positions over the last 4 years (right/left DE, right/left DT and nose tackle).

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) April 26, 2025

Over his four years with the Aggies, Turner racked up 115 tackles, 24 coming for a loss and 10 sacks. His best season came in 2023, when the defensive lineman set new career-highs in TFLs (11) and sacks (six). Turner was named Second-team All-SEC.

The lineman will likely need to bulk up a bit to thrive at the NFL level. However, his drive and explosiveness will help him succeed. Chicago must figure out exactly where Turner will play, but once he gets on the field, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com thinks he’ll look a lot like Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike.

“Three-year starter with “tweener” measurables but excellent musculation and lean mass. Turner plays with unlimited activity and a heavy dose of violence. He has a quick first step and an explosive punch,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s capable of holding the point against single blocks or working the gaps with foot quickness.”

“His pressure rate is hurt by a lack of length but he’s a restless rusher who hunts blockers’ edges and will eventually leak through if the play extends,” Zierlein continued. “His athleticism and chase quickness will see him in or near the pile with some frequency as a future starter.”

New head coach Ben Johnson is looking for playmakers all over the gridiron, including on defense. As Turner carves out his role through training training, he’s looking to prove to the Bears and NFL world at large why he was a deserving of a second-round pick. Chicago is clearly confident he will become a key component of the team’s defense.