DJ Turner (CB) – Michigan) / Senior
5’11”, 178.0 Lbs. (Official)
2022 Stats: 14 games, 680 Snaps, 36 Tackles, 27 Solo, 1 Tackle for loss, 11 run stops, 10 passes defended, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, QBR of 54.8 when targeted.
{Reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/dj-turner-3.html}
Awards:
Measurables: Wingspan – 73 ⅜“, Arm – 30.75″ Hands – 9 ⅝”, 40-yard – 4.26, 10-yard split – 1.47, Vertical – 38.5”, Broad – 10’11”, RAS: 9.13
Games Watched: 2022 vs. Maryland, 2022 vs. Penn State, 2022 vs. Ohio State
PRO’S
JuanDrago “DJ” Turner is very good at mirroring WRs at the LOS and with his quickness can cover the WR all over the field. Turner is elite at reading & reacting off the QB’s giveaways. At 5 ’11 178 lbs Turner doesn’t hesitate to stick his nose in the backfield to tackle if needed. He has tenacious suffocating coverage; the word sticky doesn’t give him enough justice (9:01 left in 2nd qtr vs Penn State, PSU on Michigan 2 yd line, Clifford throws a fade route to the top of screen towards end zone. Turner gets beat off the line but recovers instantly and is on Parker Washington like Gorilla Glue blocking his vision of the ball for the incompletion). His hip fluidity is top notch add that to 4.26 speed and DJ and the competition knows he is never out of any play (8:05 left in the 2nd qtr vs Penn St,Turner is to top of the screen in man coverage. QB Sean Clifford calls as QB keeper and takes off with nothing but daylight in front of him. Turner closes quickly and tackles Clifford at the 5 yd line, saving TD). He is best in 1on1 man coverage but can play zone if necessary.
CON’S
The biggest concern will be the size at the next level, bigger WRs could get the better of DJ despite the speed. Turner will struggle in the NFL with contested catches and red zone corner balls. Although he isn’t afraid to get involved with run support, DJ isn’t the best wrap tackler and tends to be an arm tackler which can lead grab and holds or missed tackles. Turner can get sloppy in his footwork during the back pedal which can lead to WRs getting a step on him in breaks(10:37 left in 2nd qtr vs Maryland, DJ top of screen in man covering WR Rakim Jarrett. Jarrett is twitched up on hike and Turner isn’t smooth in the back pedal when Jarrett cuts inside DJ loses a step and Jarrett makes an easy 1st down completion). DJ does tend to stay on one side of the field; he won’t be that lockdown DB in the NFL.
OVERALL
DJ Turner is a top tier man coverage DB in this NFL draft. His speed and air tight coverage will get him on the field week 1 for any team. The size concerns and mostly playing one side of the field in college will likely make him an elite DB2 to start his NFL career. A team like the Seattle Seahawks would be a perfect landing with Tariq Woolen opposite him and Julian Love over the top! Player Comp: Brent Grimes
Completed by: @NinoBrown_T2T, 03/31/23
Reviewed & edited: J. Clark, 04/01/23
