DJ Turner 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Participated in Nike’s The Opening; Named one of the 20 most athletic recruits

• Named Defensive Player of the Game in the 2017 state championship game
• Ranked as a top-50 cornerback in the nation

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Man coverage with sprinkles of zone and pattern matching
• 2022 projected role: Starting Outside CB

Pros: The length of DJ Turner’s frame and arms stood out immediately. He’s a fluid mover that breaks out of transitions nicely. His short-area burst helps click and close on underneath routes. Turner showcases comfort and good speed to carry routes vertically, remaining on that upfield shoulder to be in position for comeback routes. Against the supremely talented wide receivers for Ohio State, Turner held his own. His punches in the contact window pack some pop. He can immediately stun receivers and disrupt their timing after forcing them to reset to drive forward. His arm length will go a long way for him to compete at the catch point and contested-catch sequences. He is sticky in man coverage, understanding the strength of his alignment and funneling receivers into that area. 

Cons: The aspect of DJ Turner’s game that needs improving is run defense. Cornerbacks are drafted to cover but engaging and squeezing outside leverage helps the defense as a whole. His processing can be quicker to help diagnose run or pass and trigger downhill. He can get caught with his eyes in the backfield in zone coverage. Improving his eye discipline will allow him to read his landmarks in zone coverage more effectively. Turner leans on using a softer two-hand press technique—it would be wise to keep one hand free in the contact window to transition to turn and run efficiently.

DJ Turner NFL Draft Scouting Report by Damian Parson