As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at DJ Turner.

Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: DJ Turner (CB – Michigan)

DJ Turner (CB – Michigan)

6’0” – 180 lbs.

Background:

Attended IMG Academy, the appeared in just one game in 2020 before taking over a starting job in week eight of the 2021 season (eight starts in total) and allowing quarterbacks to complete just 26/59 passes for 267 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Held down that starting role this past year, with 33/71 passing against (408 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception). Broke up seven and eight passes in those years, respectively.

Positives:

Two-year starter for a major program. Has solid size and decent bulk for a pro boundary corner. Played a variety of different techniques in both man and zone coverage, typically man, press-man, shuffle, and zone. Clean footwork and balance in his backpedal, with quick transitions to driving on a spot. Reported sub-4.3 speed carries over onto tape, showing the ability to carry opponents down the field with ease from man or bail coverage. Capable of providing tight coverage across the field on shallow crosses. Gets hands on opponents and uses them to feel routes developing. Closes fast on a spot when the play is in front of him. Gets his head around early when targeted down the sidelines and does a nice job of locating the ball. Recovery speed to get back in-phase is excellent. Has what looks like solid length to make plays on the ball. Gets good extension to play off of blocks. Not the most physical tackler, but was reliable at the college level. Ran back an interception and fumble for touchdowns in the past two seasons.

Negatives:

On the thin side and may be asked to add some additional bulk. Somewhat susceptible to double-moves. Some drift at the route stem when he doesn’t use his hands, opening up windows for timing-based throws. Wasn’t particularly penalty-prone in college, but can get grabby at the route stem and needs to time his attempts to break up throws more carefully to avoid being flagged at the next level. Can struggle to hold the point of attack against opposing blockers in the run game. Limited experience playing in the slot.

Summary:

A cornerback with outstanding speed and explosiveness, who shows sound fundamentals when playing a variety of different techniques, and who has the awareness, burst, and length to get in-phase and contest throws, traits which could make him a starter at the next level. Would likely fit best on a team that plays a lot of man-to-man coverage, which would make the best use of his special athletic traits.

Projection: Round 2-3