Saints' Payton Turner Facing Crucial Year in 2023

New Orleans is expecting Payton Turner to finally show why he was a first-round selection. Their 2023 draft strategy depends on his development.

Author:
Bob Rose
Updated:
Mar 21, 2023 1:25 PM EDT
Original:
Mar 19, 2023

In this story:

New Orleans Saints

With the 28th choice in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected DE Payton Turner from the University of Houston.

Viewed as a Day 2 prospect by most scouts, the pick was considered a bit of a reach. Especially with more accomplished pass rushers and several corners and receivers still available. Turner rose up draft boards because of outstanding measurables and consistent improvement over three years as a collegiate starter.

As a rookie with the Saints, Turner appeared in only five games before being lost for the year with a shoulder injury. He flashed some promise in limited action. This was especially evident in a Week 2 game at Carolina, when Turner had a sack, 5 pressures, and 3 tackles for loss.

Entering 2022, Turner was expected to be a key part of an edge rotation that included All-Pro Cameron Jordan and 2018 first-round pick Marcus Davenport.

Payton Turner

Saints Year-In-Review

Turner played only 14 snaps in an opening week win against Atlanta. It was a game where the Saints didn't record a sack and gave up over 200 yards rushing. Turner did seal the win by blocking a Falcons field goal attempt on the final play.

After being inactive in Week 2, Turner played in just 36 combined snaps over the next two games. He had just three tackles, one for a loss, with no recorded pressures in those outings.

Turner dealt with a series of nagging injuries early in 2022 that included an elbow, calf, chest, and shoulder issues. He'd be sidelined for three more games from Weeks 5 through 7. Upon his return, he'd again flash why New Orleans coveted him so highly as a rookie.

In a Week 8 shutout of the Raiders, Turner had arguably his best game as a pro. He had 2 sacks in the win and four combined tackles, helping hold Las Vegas to just 185 total yards and a paltry 38 on the ground.

Turner added a tackle for loss among three total stops and a QB pressure the following week against Baltimore. At Pittsburgh in Week 10, Turner's five tackles, including four solo tackles, were both a career-high. His 39 defensive snaps against the Steelers were also the most of his career and followed up a combined 59 snaps over the previous two games.

Nov 20, 2022; New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner (98) is carted off the field with an injury in against the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Just as it seemed like Turner was becoming a regular in the edge rotation, he went down with an injured ankle Week 11 against the Rams. The injury kept him out of action for several games. He'd return Week 17 at Philadelphia to play a handful of snaps. In the regular season finale, Turner was surprisingly a healthy scratch.

Turner finished his second season with 2 sacks, 4 pressures, and 5 stops for loss among 16 tackles. He played more defensive snaps (171) than he did as a rookie. However, his snap percentage (32%) was lower than his first season and he was able to suit up in only eight games.

Draft Bust?

Nov 7, 2021; New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner (98) takes on Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70). Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY

It's obviously concerning when a first-round pick is a healthy scratch from the lineup. Like Davenport, Turner has received criticism because of the time missed with injuries. Unlike Davenport, the coaching decisions to sit a healthy Turner raise red flags.

Turner has been unable to beat out Carl Granderson and Tanoh Kpassagnon for playing time at defensive end. Thought of as an eventual replacement for Jordan or Davenport, there are now serious questions about Turner's future.

At 6'6" and 270-Lbs., Turner has prototype size, length, and excellent agility for the position. He has also shown good strength at the point of attack and a nice burst to the ball. Other than availability, his poor leverage against blockers continues to be a point of concern. His lack of reps also haven't allowed him to hone his still-raw instincts.

Davenport has departed in free agency. Jordan, while still playing at a high level, will enter his 13th season and turns 34 in July. Granderson and Kpassagnon return, but many have the Saints taking an edge rusher in the early rounds of the draft. Doing so would be telling of how they feel about Turner's development.

It's worth noting that G Cesar Ruiz, a first-round choice in 2020, was considered a draft bust after his first two seasons. Ruiz had an outstanding third year to quiet those doubts. Payton Turner will enter his third season this year. Whether the Saints feel that Turner is capable of the same type of turnaround will be indicated by their offseason strategy.