The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the DJ Turner 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Cornerback
School: Michigan
Size: 5-foot-11, 178 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior
2022 Stats: 36 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown
Turner played two great seasons for Michigan where he had personal and team success. Now he is in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a three-star recruit out of Georgia, Turner signed on with Michigan in the class of 2020. He played in four games as a freshman, but redshirted. In his redshirt freshman season, Turner totaled 33 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defended. He helped the Wolverines go 12-2 and make an appearance in the College Football Playoff. In 2022, Turner registered 36 total tackles, 10 passes defended and one interception. His play led the Wolverines to a 13-1 record and another College Football Playoff.
Following two straight appearances in the College Football Playoff, Turner declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He is projected to be a day-two pick.
Turner is one of the most athletic cornerbacks in the class. He has good speed to match up with receivers vertically. Turner has flexible hips, which helps him change directions and keep up with receivers as they run their routes. He also has good quickness and jumping ability. Turner had extremely good results at the NFL Combine and those skills show up on tape.
He is also versatile for a corner. Turner can play on the outside or cover in the slot. While his size may be limited he can match up with receivers on the outside, but has the quickness to cover the slot. He also has shown to be able to play both man and zone coverages. His versatility will make him a candidate for several different teams.
His technique is solid with good footwork and stays that way throughout the route. He shows the understanding of leverage, which makes it hard for receivers to get open. Because he has good technique, he trusts it and rarely grabs or draws penalties.
Turner doesn’t have great size. He is 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds, which falls below the average for the position. While he still has the ability to match up with receivers on the outside, he could struggle with bigger wide receivers. His frame looks like it could carry more weight and it will have to for him to improve his play strength.
His size also impacts his tackling. He sometimes can be too ambitious in coming down hill and making big hits on ball carriers, but also misses tackles. Turner can use work on being a better form tackler, which can end plays there rather than him going for the big play.
He has struggled against the run, which is partially caused by his tackling issues. Turner will have to correct his tackling issues, but he also struggles to shed blocks and get to the ball carriers. His aggressiveness to lay big hits at least shows a willingness to help.
Projected Draft Range: Second-Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
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