Senior Bowl Highlights Shemar Turner’s Injury and Bears’ Offensive Line Plans
The 2025 Senior Bowl has concluded after three days of intense practice and the game itself, leaving fans with some key takeaways from the week’s events. While the game and practices showcased a range of talent, one notable absence was Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Turner, who was unable to participate due to an ongoing injury issue.
Turner’s Withdrawal Sparks Disappointment
Shemar Turner’s unavailability at the Senior Bowl was a significant disappointment for many, as he is considered one of the top defensive prospects in this year’s draft. Reports confirm that Turner had a rod inserted into his leg, but the injury’s backstory reveals more.
Turner had been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right shin back in August, well before the season started. To allow him to play through the injury, a rod was inserted into his leg. However, a follow-up x-ray in October revealed that the fracture hadn’t healed, yet Turner continued to play.
This decision to push through the injury has caused significant consequences for Turner, as he ultimately had to withdraw from the Senior Bowl. The situation has also disrupted his training schedule for important pre-draft workouts, including the NFL Combine and Pro Day.
While stress fractures like Turner’s typically take a few weeks to heal with rest, the decision to allow him to play instead of giving his leg time to recover could have led to a prolonged recovery period, leaving Turner less than 100 percent leading up to the draft.
Bears’ Focus on Offensive Line in the 2025 Draft
Shifting focus to the NFL, the Chicago Bears are planning to prioritize their offensive line in the 2025 draft. After a season of struggles in the trenches, the team is looking to bring in new talent to bolster their offensive front. Ben Johnson, the team’s offensive coordinator, is expected to replicate the success he had with Detroit by focusing on big-bodied blockers, especially interior offensive linemen.
The Bears may look to trade their 10th overall pick to accumulate additional selections, but if they decide to stay put, potential targets include Will Campbell from LSU and Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas.
The team also has an eye on Josh Conerly Jr. from Oregon, with Wyatt Milum of West Virginia being viewed as a potential second-round option. Additionally, the Bears are high on Kiran Amegadjie, their third-round pick from Yale, who is expected to compete for the starting left tackle position.
New Orleans Plans for Future Head Coach
In New Orleans, Kellen Moore has reportedly been chosen as the future head coach of the Saints, as the team continues to prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Sources indicate that Moore was a strong candidate all along, and the Saints have begun informing other candidates that they will not be considered for the position.
Despite Aaron Glenn, the team’s former defensive backs coach, being viewed as the top candidate, it appears that Glenn was not interested in working under Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. Moore’s hiring will bring a new direction to the Saints as they work to reshape their roster and coaching staff for the future.
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a critical one for several teams, with Chicago and New Orleans among those making major moves as they look to build their futures. Meanwhile, Shemar Turner’s injury serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impact that pre-draft decisions can have on a player’s career trajectory.
