Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Turner was a key figure on the defense. He is preparing to take the next step in his football career by entering the 2025 NFL Draft. However, his journey to the pros hasn’t been seamless.
Shemar Turner Faces Draft Roadblocks Amid Injury Concerns
With pre-draft evaluations in full swing, Turner’s lingering injuries are casting doubts over his draft stock. It is potentially impacting how teams perceive the standout defender. Earlier this week, Turner withdrew from the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, due to a stress fracture that failed to heal properly.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport highlighted the issue, noting the injury initially occurred during preseason camp and required a rod to be surgically inserted into Turner’s foot. Unfortunately, the fracture never fully healed, forcing him to opt out of the prestigious showcase event.
In an X post, Rapoport reported:
“Texas A&M DL Shemar Turner, a likely Top 50 pick, had to pull out of the Senior Bowl after learning that a stress fracture from camp, that needed a rod inserted into it, never fully healed, sources say…”
Despite playing through pain, Turner managed to start all 12 regular-season games for the Aggies. However, medical advice now mandates a three-to-four-week break from physical activity to allow his foot to recover. Turner remains optimistic, as he plans to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine and Texas A&M’s pro day later this year.
Even while dealing with his injury, the defensive lineman recorded 36 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble this season. While these numbers are solid, they represent a dip from his standout 2023 campaign.
That’s when he achieved second-team All-SEC honors with 33 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The decline in production might also be attributed to Turner sharing the defensive stage with Nic Scourton, a Purdue transfer who brought significant talent to the Aggies’ defensive front.
Turner’s Skill Set and Draft Outlook
Turner is currently projected to be selected in the second or third round of the NFL Draft. His versatility as a defender — standing 6’3″, 289 pounds, and boasting a wingspan of over 33 inches — makes him an intriguing prospect.
He played primarily as a defensive end in 2022 and 2023 before transitioning to an interior lineman role during his final collegiate season.
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Turner’s game is defined by his active hands and diverse pass-rushing strategies. He uses techniques like club rips, swim moves, push-pulls, and swipe-chops to disrupt opposing offenses. Among these, his swim move is his most polished and effective.
Still, Turner’s game does have its limitations. His upright pad level, coupled with his slightly undersized frame for an interior lineman, hampers his ability to consistently generate power. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs, facing the impending free agency of several interior defensive linemen, could consider Turner as a viable option in the draft.
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