Vikings Lose Out on Prominent Draft Target to Rival Bears

The Minnesota Vikings‘ apparently had their eyes on a defensive addition on Day 2 of the NFL draft but were unable to select him ahead of the Chicago Bears.

Chicago executed a trade with the Buffalo Bills involving multiple picks, though the portion of the transaction relative to the Vikings involved swapping the No. 41 pick for two later selections in the second round (Nos. 56 and 62). Chicago used the latter of those assets to take defensive tackle Shemar Turner of Texas A&M.

Alec Lewis of The Athletic reacted to the news on social media.

“Bears snag Shemar Turner, who was never going to make it to No. 97 for the Vikings,” Lewis said. “Now have to see him twice a year.”

Minnesota could have tried to trade up in an attempt to land Turner, but the Vikings entered the draft with only four picks and either couldn’t move up or decided it wasn’t the right value play.

Vikings Were Interested in Adding Even More to Defensive Line After Free Agency

Dane Brugler of The Athletic had high praise for Turner following the Bears’ maneuvering to add him.