LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett was a mainstay for the Falcons over his decade with the team. He was a dominant presence on the field, a leader in the locker room and a pillar in the Atlanta community.
Jarrett, who turned 32 earlier this week, is now entering his first season with the Bears. This marks a new chapter in Jarrett’s esteemed career, and there’s a young player ready to follow his lead.
Bears rookie defensive tackle Shemar Turner was eager to meet Jarrett when he first arrived at Halas Hall last Saturday afternoon.
“He's a dawg, bro,” Turner said with a smile. “He's an animal. He's not too big. He's a guy that can pass rush. He's quick as hell. He's fast off the ball. His get-off is crazy. He's a dude. There's a reason why he's been here so long.”
Jarrett will undoubtedly serve as a key mentor for Turner, whom the Bears recently selected at No. 62 overall in the second round of the NFL Draft.
During his 10-year NFL career, Jarrett has overcome being an undersized defensive tackle by playing with great technique and tenacity. The 22-year-old Turner is a powerful player with natural “knockback” – the term used by Bears director of player personnel Trey Koziol to describe a strength of Turner's – but he needs to finetune his game.
During his time at Texas A&M, Turner often struggled with discipline. He was the subject of costly penalties and sometimes played with too much aggression, which led to him being taken out of plays.
“All young players coming into the league can always refine their craft, whether it’s hand use or technique,” Koziol said. “That’s a skill set that continues to develop throughout their career. Being able to be in a room with guys like Grady Jarrett and these veteran players, Andrew Billings and Gervon (Dexter) and these guys that have done it, just to be able to take a little bit of what all those guys do and make it your own.
“It’s a good fit for scheme and culture and what we’re looking for.”
When Turner heard his name called Friday evening, he couldn’t hold back a smile. It was the moment that Turner had been waiting for, and he believes the Bears are a great fit for him.
While a veteran like Jarrett chases the final prize of a terrific career, the rookie Turner is ready to pursue that same type of success.
“All the accolades that are possible,” Turner said. “Super Bowls. Everything. Winning. Winning is a big part of legacy for me. And hopefully getting a few rings under my belt. Gold jacket. Pro Bowler. All that, bro, 10, 15 years. Literally everything a successful NFL player has to do to be successful and be on that pedestal, I want to achieve it.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.