The Chicago Bears officially put 2023 third-round pick Zacch Pickens on notice on Friday, selecting Texas A&M Aggies defensive tackle Shemar Turner with the No. 62 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Turner, a converted defensive end, is coming off a down season, recording 36 total tackles and 2.0 sacks in 2024, his first on the interior.
He had a 6.0-sack season (with 11 tackles for loss) in 2023, though.
Zacch Pickens on Notice After Bears Draft Texas A&M’s Shemar Turner
Shemar Turner Taken 2 Slots Ahead of Bears Teammate
Perhaps most importantly, Turner arrives with a wealth of experience playing different techniques. That should serve him well under new head coach Ben Johnson and, especially, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
It could also prove ominous for Pickens.
The regime change is one thing. Teams turn their rosters over yearly. Coaching changes, such as the Bears underwent this offseason, only exacerbate those situations.
Pickens’ problem, though, is twofold. Because of injuries, there is not much tape for the new regime to evaluate him on. The No. 64 overall selection of the 2023 draft, notably two slots behind where Sterwart was taken, Pickens appeared in nine games in 2024.
He started three of those games. Pickens’ snap share also rose to 40% last season from the 25% mark he held as a rookie, per Pro Football Reference.
Now, he must also contend with Turner.
Zacch Pickens Could Fall Victim to Numbers Game
Pickens will face stiff competition for snaps, if not a roster spot, beyond Turner. The Bears have six defensive tackles under contract for 2025, with Turner incoming.
Veterans Grady Jarrett – a 2025 free agent signing – and incumbent Andrew Billings figure to top the depth chart. Pickens’ fellow 2023 draftee Gervon Dexter Sr. will likely play a key role off the bench if he does not start.
The Bears also have 2024 surprise Chris Williams and ex-Green Bay Packer Jonathan Ford.
With additional versatility from defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo to slide inside on passing downs, the need for Pickens is waning at Halas Hall.
He is under team control at a reasonable rate. Still, it could take a big spring and training camp for Pickens to prove he deserves a roster spot, let alone see the field this season. Of course, that potentially ominous sign for Pickens is good news for the Bears.
They needed depth up the middle.
Turner comes with question marks, including a previously fractured leg that Bears GM Ryan Poles noted was a non-issue. If nothing else, competition should bring out the best in players.