The Chicago Bears landed some potential impact rookies in the 2025 NFL draft, and second-round defensive tackle Shemar Turner might be one of the biggest sleepers in Chicago’s draft class.
Turner is a versatile defensive lineman who’s played both defensive tackle and defensive end, which raised questions about where Chicago could line him up. Turner said he’s willing to play wherever the Bears line him up, but defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said the plan is for Turner to play inside.
“The first thing we got to do is we got to play him in at defensive tackle and let him learn there, let him develop there, both as a three-technique and a nose, and then we’ll worry about trying to see that flexibility,” Allen said. “From a skill set standpoint, yeah, he’s got some flexibility. We’ll just have to see what he can learn, how quickly he can learn and adapt to what we’re doing.”
Allen praised Turner for his athleticism, explosion and power, where he noted that the second-round rookie has “got the right temperament for what we’re looking for.” As for how the Bears will bring Turner along, Allen explained it a metaphor.
“I think we’ll have to put the saddle on him and break him a little bit but we’d rather have to pull the reins back rather than have to whip him to get him to go,” Allen said. “We’re excited about working with him.”
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