The Chicago Bears' 2025 draft class ended up exceeding expectations with so many players coming out of it that made massive impacts in the season.
Guys like Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland, Ozzy Trapilo, and Kyle Monangai all played roles in getting the franchise into the playoffs. While those guys have set the foundation for the Bears' future, there were some disappointments as well.
Cornerback Zah Frazier was recently cut from the Bears after not playing a single down in 2025. There was another player who was a higher pick who disappointed in Year 1, but has a chance to do the unthinkable and have a breakout season.
Shemar Turner looks like a guy who can have a massive 2026 season with the Bears
Turner was selected in the second round last year with the hopes of being able to help the Bears out with adding more pressure on the quarterback. Things didn't work out quite like the Bears and Turner were hoping for.
It turns out that Turner would only play five games before suffering a season-ending injury early in the year. He finished with just six tackles and two tackles for loss.
The Bears finished with just 33 sacks in 17 regular season games, which ranked in the bottom 10 in the NFL. Chicago could have really used Turner's help, especially with Dayo Odeyingbo also suffering a season-ending injury midway through the season.
During the offseason, many thought the Bears would use free agency or the trade market to bring in an elite pass rusher like Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson. They instead decided to do nothing at edge rusher and roll with who they have.
That means the Bears are putting their faith in Turner to bounce back from the injury and become the player Chicago saw on tape in college. Turner and Austin Booker are both young players who need to step up to help Montez Sweat off the edge.
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Turner has the skill set to be a great defensive lineman, and the Bears feel like they could get something out of him. Bears fans better be prepared for him to break out and put up some big numbers in 2026.
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