DJ Turner labeled Bengals' top 2023 draft pick
Defense was the name of the game for the Cincinnati Bengals on the first two days of the NFL Draft. After hitting the trenches with edge rusher Myles Murphy in round one, the Bengals hit another big area of need in the second round, their secondary. The selection was Michigan cornerback DJ Turner, and according […]
Defense was the name of the game for the Cincinnati Bengals on the first two days of the NFL Draft.
After hitting the trenches with edge rusher Myles Murphy in round one, the Bengals hit another big area of need in the second round, their secondary. The selection was Michigan cornerback DJ Turner, and according to ESPN, it was the best of the entire draft by the Bengals.
Todd McShay on what Turner brings to the Bengals' defense:
There was some buzz that Turner could go in the first round in the weeks leading into the draft, but the Bengals landed him in the final picks of the second round. Position of need? Check. Excellent value? Check. And talent? Check again.
Turner blazed a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, the fastest time for the event this year. I see an outstanding combination of speed, suddenness and fluid movement on tape, and he can mirror receivers so well, recognizing route combos and sticking with them like glue. He won't be the biggest corner in the league at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds, and he picked off only one pass last season, but he has the traits to be a solid starter in Cincinnati. And I actually think the ball production could improve in the pros because of how well he closes on targets.
Trying to throw on Turner for college quarterbacks was like like figuring out a Rubik's Cube. Turner displayed his great instincts and ball skills by only allowing 59 receptions on 130 targets (45.4%) and logged three interceptions with 17 pass breakups.
Versatility is something Bengals' defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo covets dearly. Well, Turner wouldn't be mistaken for a one-trick pony when it comes to his range as he registered 90 snaps in the box, 73 in the slot, and five at free safety over his last two seasons at Michigan to go nearly 1,200 plays as an outside cornerback.
Speed, excellent technique, and athleticism (posted a 38.5-inch vertical jump, 10'11" in the broad jump) are a part of the package that Turner brings to the Bengals' defense, and he'll be on the field early.
