Smart, tough, and competitive—three words that Saints head coach Dennis Allen believes define what it takes to thrive in the NFL. And those three qualities are exactly what he sees in Shemar Turner and the two other defensive draft picks New Orleans added this year. While draft weekend can often be a whirlwind of speculation and calculated risk, Allen’s calm and confident demeanor as he assessed the Saints’ new defensive assets sent a strong message: the franchise isn’t just chasing talent, it’s building a culture.
The Saints used this year’s NFL Draft to bolster the defense with a trio of promising prospects. Leading the group is Shemar Turner, the former Texas A\&M defensive lineman whose motor, physicality, and football IQ have already garnered praise. Allen didn’t mince words when asked about the selection: “He’s smart, he’s tough and he’s highly competitive, and those are three characteristics that we’re looking for.”
Turner fits the mold of the kind of player the Saints covet—technically sound, relentless in pursuit, and unafraid of the trenches. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing over 290 pounds, Turner brings a powerful blend of size and quickness that allows him to be disruptive at multiple spots along the line. His versatility is a theme that Allen emphasized when describing the vision for how Turner fits in.
“We think he can help us both inside and outside,” Allen said. “He has the ability to rush the passer but also hold up well against the run. That’s rare to find in a guy his size.”
Turner’s production in college speaks for itself. At Texas A\&M, he became a consistent force on the defensive line, finishing his final season with career highs in tackles for loss and quarterback pressures. What impressed Allen and the Saints’ scouting department even more, however, was Turner’s leadership on and off the field. Coaches described him as a locker room tone-setter, a player who demands the best from himself and his teammates.
“Guys like Shemar don’t come around often,” Allen said. “He’s a guy who plays with his heart and his head. You want someone who can make a play in a key moment, but also someone who knows the system and elevates those around him. That’s what he brings.”
But Turner is just one part of a larger defensive strategy. The Saints also brought in two other defenders—names that might not generate as many headlines but whose roles are just as vital. Allen, a defensive mind himself, clearly values depth, adaptability, and character.
The second pick was a rangy linebacker with a reputation for high-effort play and sideline-to-sideline speed. Allen noted that the linebacker room needed more athleticism, and the new addition fits that bill. His college film shows a player who can read plays quickly, react instinctively, and deliver solid hits. It’s that same tenacity that Allen praised repeatedly throughout his media sessions.
“We want guys who are all-in,” Allen said. “You watch him play, and it’s obvious that he never takes a play off. He brings energy and urgency—things that are contagious in a defensive huddle.”
The third defensive pick was a cornerback known for his ball-hawking ability and fearless approach in coverage. Although a bit raw in technique, Allen sees the upside in the young defender’s athletic profile. Speed, length, and aggressiveness—traits that can’t be taught—were all reasons the Saints felt comfortable taking a chance.
“We’re excited about his ceiling,” Allen shared. “There are things we can coach, and we’ve got a great staff that will get the most out of him. What you can’t coach is the will to compete, and he’s got that in spades.”
When asked how these three fit together as part of a broader defensive overhaul, Allen was quick to point to identity. The Saints have long prided themselves on playing a fast, physical brand of football. With Turner and his fellow draftees, the goal is to return to those roots while also evolving with the modern game.
“We’ve got to be multiple,” Allen explained. “You can’t just line up in one look and expect to win. Offenses are too good. So we want guys who can do a little bit of everything—guys who can rush, cover, tackle, communicate. And more importantly, guys who love the game.”
That love of the game came up often in Allen’s evaluation process. Each of the three players reportedly aced their interviews with the Saints staff, impressing with football knowledge and a willingness to learn. In a league where talent often dominates headlines, Allen is a coach who still believes in the power of preparation and passion.
“You’ve got to have the want-to,” Allen said. “Every week is a battle in this league. And if you don’t have the heart for it, the league will find out quickly. What I see in these guys is that they’re ready to work. They’re ready to compete.”
The Saints’ draft approach this year was also notable for its balance. While some teams focused purely on upside or need, New Orleans found a middle ground—targeting players who not only fill immediate gaps but also project well into the system for years to come. It’s a long-term view, but one that aligns with the culture Allen is building.
Turner, in particular, is expected to make an early impact. With the Saints in need of fresh legs and playmaking up front, there’s a real opportunity for him to crack the rotation or even earn a starting role by midseason. And with his work ethic and understanding of defensive schemes, few would bet against him.
“He’s not just a flash player,” Allen added. “He’s consistent. He does the little things right. Whether it’s hand placement, pad level, gap integrity—he understands what we’re trying to do.”
While the headlines often go to flashy skill players or quarterback selections, it’s clear that Allen is just as excited about the grit and grind of building a complete defense. In Turner and the other two draft picks, he sees the makings of a unit that can impose its will, play with discipline, and bring pride back to the defensive identity of the franchise.
“We want to be a team that plays with toughness,” Allen said. “And that starts with who you bring into the building. If you’ve got a bunch of guys who love the game and love to compete, everything else falls into place.”
For Saints fans, the message is clear. While the road ahead will bring its challenges, the foundation being laid is one of substance. Shemar Turner may be the face of this year’s defensive draft class, but in the eyes of Dennis Allen, it’s the shared traits of intelligence, toughness, and competitiveness that matter most.
“Those are the guys you win with,” Allen said. “And I think we’ve got a few more of them in the building now.”