We are only two weeks from the 2026 NFL Draft, and Bears fans, like every other fanbase in the league, are desperately waiting to see what their front office is planning to improve the roster.
Chicago has an obvious need along the defensive line, both at EDGE and defensive tackle. While they completely ignored the pass rush rotation, at least the Bears addressed the interior a little bit in free agency by signing Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street. But the widespread expectation is that they would still add a defensive tackle in the first two days of the draft.
How early the Bears select a DT in the draft will speak volumes about how they see Shemar Turner. The second-year player didn't show much in his rookie season after tearing his ACL and appearing in only five games. The pressure is now on the former second-round pick to perform in 2026, especially after general manager Ryan Poles' latest offseason remarks, per Bears senior writer Larry Mayer.
" I had a ton of faith he was going to be on the same track as (fellow rookies) Luther (Burden), as Colston (Loveland), as Ozzy (Trapilo); the more that (Shemar) played, his impact was going to be felt more and more, and I felt like we didn't get to see that."Ryan Poles, Bears GM
It's Time for Shemar Turner to Prove Himself
Turner will have an opportunity to establish himself as a starter next season and beyond.
Gervon Dexter Sr. is entering the final year of his contract, and the Bears have a potential out in Grady Jarrett's deal next offseason. Turner is the only young player on the interior defensive line that Chicago has seriously invested in.
At the same time, the former Texas A&M standout has to prove that he can make an impact in the NFL. He wasn't part of the rotation to start 2025, but slowly worked himself into a role in Week 3, playing around 30% of the team's defensive snaps. Until he suffered the unfortunate injury in Week 8, Turner wasn't particularly effective. He received a 34.4 defensive grade on Pro Football Focus across 74 snaps.
Why Poles is optimistic about Turner is understandable. He drafted him in the second round just last season after all. He may not have elite size and strength, but he has quickness and explosiveness. Now, Turner has to put it together on the field.
Otherwise, even Poles' stamp of endorsement will be enough to earn him a big role.