Cincinnati Bengals select DJ Turner in 2nd round of 2023 NFL Draft
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Michigan cornerback DJ Turner with the No. 60 pick in the 2nd round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Turner did not play during the COVID-affected 2020 season but put up solid numbers in the following two years. He finished his Michigan career with 69 total tackles, 53 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions, 17 pass deflections, one fumble recovery and two defensive touchdowns.
Turner still needs some polish to his game. His speed can occasionally work against him as he overplays routes and he had moments where he got a little handsy or struggled to locate the ball. But the raw tools and upside are evident based on his stat line and ability to man the secondary in a tough Michigan defense that won back-to-back Big Ten titles.
As a member of the Class of 2018, Turner was a four-star recruit out of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 44 overall prospect in the state, the No. 36 cornerback in the class and the No. 369 overall prospect in the class.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about DJ Turner
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein evaluated the game film of Turner and actually compared him to Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox.
The explosiveness in Turner’s game is tantalizing, according to Zierlein. However, he’ll have to improve his coverage on the 50-50 ball at the pro level if he’s truly going to take the next step.
“Explosive athlete combining fluidity, speed and superior technique to excel at his craft,” Zierlein wrote in his scouting report. “Turner is scheme-diverse with the ability to line up inside or outside in coverage. He’s graceful with his mirror and match movements from press or off-man coverage, but he is plenty feisty when challenging throws or hitting receivers after the catch. Despite his competitiveness, big receivers can bounce him around and beat him on 50/50 balls. Turner has the tools and talent to become an early starter as a nickel corner capable of matching up with both shifty and speedy opponents.”