Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Turner 'really checks the boxes' for Bears DC Dennis Allen's defense
After adding players that fit head coach and offensive play-caller Ben Johnson, the Bears think they found someone who resonates with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen — Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Turner. They drafted him with their last of three second-round picks Friday night.
“Coach Allen and his staff came in: ‘We want violence and we want knockback. …’” Bears player personnel director Trey Koziol said Friday. “And so if that was the goal, you look at a player like Shemar and he really embodies those two things: relentless, violence, changing the line of scrimmage. So yeah, I think it really checks the boxes. It’s a good fit for scheme and culture and what we’re looking for.”
ESPN ranked Turner the sixth-best defensive tackle in the draft and the 43rd-best prospect overall. Turner gained weight and moved inside last offseason because the Aggies had studs at edge rusher. He played most of the season with a stress fracture in his shin.
“Man, playing with an edge, being an edgy guy, playing with fire like that is always good, but you've got to know how to control it,” Turner said. “You can't let it control you. I feel like keeping it at a certain level, like, right on the line, I could stay right on the line but just don't cross it and man I'll have a great career, bro.”