Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: CB DJ Turner, Michigan
The Las Vegas Raiders left the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine with a list full of players who impressed them with their performance on the field, but no one stood out more than Michigan cornerback DJ Turner.
As the offenses get faster and more complex, defenses need to change and adapt to the changes.
“The defenses are different. There's definitely more complex, I'd say, defensive schematic game at the NFL level. And so, again, that goes just into someone's ability to learn, someone's work ethic, and did they have the tools both from a personal and a mental skill set to put the work in to learn it,” Raiders General Manager Dave Ziegler said during the combine.
Fortunately, the Raiders are in a position to draft the fastest player from the combine and bring in his elite speed to help cover the speedy wide receivers in the NFL.
Cornerback DJ Turner, Michigan Wolverines
“Turner is a small but twitchy cornerback with good technique and exciting athletic ability that should make him an asset in man coverage,” Draft Bible said of Turner.
The Michigan cornerback is 5-11 and 178 pounds, and at the combine, he made his speed do all the talking.
Turner's 4.26 time in the 40-yard dash was the fastest among all participants. His speed was no surprise, as we saw his explosive traits in the Big Ten last season.
Turner might not have the physical force and strength to contest wide receivers at the next level, but his technicality and craft are among the best among prospects.
Last season, Turner was named an All Big-Ten selection after leading the Wolverines with 10 pass breakups, 36 tackles (27 solos), two tackles for losses, and one interception in 14 starts.
“Turner takes significant experience and proficiency in man and zone coverages to the NFL," Draft Bible added. "He lines up to the boundary and field sides of the defense. Turner appears most comfortable in man coverage when he’s lined up at or near the line of scrimmage.
“He displays silky smooth speed in the open field with elite closing burst and pursuit speed. Turner’s speed allows him to stick with burners and recover if he surrenders a step near the line of scrimmage. His twitch and quick reactions cause problems for offenses hoping to throw shorter routes.”
Turner’s draft stock has risen over the last few days, but the Raiders are well positioned to draft the Michigan cornerback on Day Two of the 2023 NFL Draft and bring his talents to the desert.
The NFL Draft will occur at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., from Thursday, April 25 to Saturday, April 29. ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network will broadcast all seven rounds.
March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. Starting at 12 p.m. EDT on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EDT on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15.
The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.
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