During the NFL Draft scouting process, you’ll pop on the tape to watch one player, and while watching that player, another stud will catch your eye and make you come back to his tape over and over again. That’s the case with today’s report on Shemar Turner.
A former 4 star recruit from Desoto, Texas, Shemar’s versatility was on display from the moment he stepped on the field. His 2021 season, while playing in 8 games, he tallied 14 tackles and 1.5 sacks as well, showing early flashes of elite talent on the film.
His 2022 tape saw an increase in his tackle numbers, as he started all 11 games he played in, and reeled in 32 tackles and 0.5 sacks. 2023 is where Shemar really shines on tape, notching 33 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, while starting all 12 games he played in.
You see the durability and consistency from Shemar over his career here at Texas A&M, but what does the rest of his tape tell us? Let’s dive in and find out.
Player Info
Name: Shemar Turner
Jersey: No. 5
Position: Defensive Lineman
School: Texas A&M
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 300 lbs.
Shemar Turner’s Strengths
Shemar has an excellent first step for a man of his size, which allows him to get in the offensive backfield quickly and effortlessly. He also displays very fluid movement skills, especially laterally, which allows him to change direction effortlessly for a man of his size.
He also possesses some decent length for his position, which allows him to control offensive linemen from a leverage standpoint, as well as further improve his ability at the point of attack. He also shows good hand usage, to counter offensive linemen’s early attempts to block him from getting into the backfield quickly.
Shemar’s best trait? His positional flexibility. He can line up anywhere, from inside at defensive tackle to outside as an edge rusher on both sides of the line. He can also play with his hand in the dirt or as a stand up defender on the edge as well, and this flexibility will be heavily coveted by defensive coordinators across the league.
Shemar Turner’s Weaknesses
Shemar’s biggest weakness is the lack of a pass rush toolbox. Too often, Shemar is using his physical traits to get through and around offensive linemen, rather than using his technique in a leverage to power to speed scenario.
He also could stand to use some work on his pad level, as he often plays too high along the interior, giving up unnecessary leverage versus interior offensive linemen. He also lacks consistency as a run defender because of this leverage he’s giving up from this pad level.
While his versatility is a major plus and strength, I’d love to see him focus on one position, either inside or out, until he masters that position. NFL teams want someone who can play 1 spot at an elite level, rather than multiple spots at an above average level.
Draft Projection
I currently have Shemar as a top 50 draft selection, with a likelihood of being selected at the top of Round 2. An NFL team with a defensive coordinator who has the ability to scheme up multiple looks and fronts for him would be the perfect fit, but here are some teams who should be in on Shemar:
- Buffalo Bills (With some expiring contracts in their edge room, as well as Von Miller getting older, you’d love Shemar to play outside, but also Sean McDermott has the ability to scheme up defensive looks for him to play inside next to Oliver as well. An excellent fit here.)
- Cincinnati Bengals (Get a partner in crime for Hendrickson? Check. Get a stout run defender who can plug the middle of the line? Also check. Shemar in Cincinnati would be an excellent fit at either edge or interior defensive linemen, and would terrorize the AFC North for years to come.)
- Green Bay Packers (With the trade of Preston Smith, Green Bay likely looks for a versatile defensive lineman early in 2025. Shemar can fill both roles, either as an edge or a defensive tackle, and is a young athletic prospect that Green Bay should be clamoring for.)
Any team that selects Shemar will get an athletic Swiss Army knife for the next level, who’s a better pass rusher than run defender currently. He will need some additional seasoning at the pro level, as well as finalizing his position as a pro, but he should see the field early for a number of teams in the NFL.
My comparison for Shemar Turner: Vinny Curry, DE, Philadelphia Eagles
