2023 NFL Draft: 6 Prospects who made money at the Scouting Combine
3. DJ Turner II, CB, Michigan
Speed, speed, and more speed. That was the takeaway from DJ Turner II’s Combine performance. The cornerback has been wowing scouts and coaches with his explosive athleticism and superb technique. Turner’s recording breaking 4.26 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine has only added to his already impressive resume. But what makes Turner truly stand out is his coverage ability.
In coverage, Turner is a nightmare for opposing wide receivers. His elite deep speed, fluid hips, and lightning-quick feet allow him to mirror and match his assignment with ease. Turner’s patience and instincts are particularly impressive, especially in man-to-man coverage. He has shown the ability to run with nearly every receiver he has faced this season, earning him the nickname “sticky.” On tape, Turner is routinely seen in the hip pocket of opposing receivers, making it difficult for them to get separation.
Turner’s football IQ is also evident in his zone coverage responsibilities. He uses proper drops and squeezes routes to eliminate options for the quarterback before making a play on anything threatening his zone. He has the athleticism and burst to close and drive on routes, making him a versatile cornerback. Turner is also a willing participant in the run game, tackling well for a cornerback.
While Turner may not have the longest arms and is not the tallest cornerback, his technique and coverage ability make up for it. Bigger receivers do pose a challenge for Turner, but his lack of arm length shows up on some contested-catch instances. Turner tackles well enough as a cornerback, but he lacks striking power. However, his blend of athleticism, competitiveness, instincts, and coverage flexibility gives him a high floor and ceiling heading into the NFL.
Turner’s strengths make him an attractive prospect for any team in need of a young cornerback that can step into the CB2 spot as a rookie. He is scheme-diverse with the ability to line up inside or outside in coverage, making him a valuable asset to any team’s defense. While there are some concerns about his height, weight, and length, Turner’s explosive athleticism and superb technique make him one of the best corners in the 2023 NFL Draft.