DJ Turner

DJ Turner II Player Profile

Summary

DJ Turner II is a highly-athletic cornerback who emerged out of Michigan with excellent speed, impressive man-coverage traits and big upside at the next level. After four seasons at Michigan, he was drafted in the second round by the Bengals in 2023 (pick 60). In his rookie year, he stepped into a significant role — starting 12 of his final 13 games — and showed flashes of impact, including a fumble recovery returned for 28 yards. Cincinnati Bengals

His game is defined by his speed, physicality in press coverage, and his ability to make plays on the ball. He has the tools to develop into a starting outside corner, especially in a system that values athleticism and man-coverage ability.

Strengths

  • Elite speed / closing ability: Turner’s 4.26 s 40-yard dash demonstrates rare straight-line explosion. That allows him to recover when beaten initially and close on receivers in deep or intermediate leverage. Cincinnati Bengals

  • Man and press-coverage instincts: At Michigan he showed the ability to press at the line, flip his hips, and mirror routes — traits that translate well to the NFL outside corner role. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Playmaking upside: While still early in his career, he has already recorded pass deflections, a fumble recovery and displayed ball-skills in college and early NFL action. Cincinnati Bengals

  • Athletic change-of-direction and recovery speed: Beyond just 40-yard dash speed, Turner has shown good lateral agility, allowing him to cover receivers after breaks and close ground quickly. NFL Draft Buzz

Weaknesses

  • Size and length limitations: At 5′11″ and with average arm length for an NFL outside corner, Turner may struggle in match-ups with large, strong receivers, particularly in contested catches or jump-ball scenarios. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Zone-coverage and deep-help consistency: Although strong in man coverage, scouting reports flagged that he was less comfortable in zone coverages, particularly in the middle of the field or when required to read multiple routes simultaneously. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Back-pedal / transition-footwork issues: There have been observations that his footwork in back-pedal and transition can lapse into being sluggish, which can hamper quick-change receivers or deception routes. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Injury concern / availability: Turner suffered a fractured clavicle in 2024, which ended his season and raises questions about durability early in his career.

Fit & Outlook

DJ Turner II projects as a high-upside outside cornerback with starter potential. His speed, athletic profile and man-coverage foundation give him a strong ceiling. In a defensive scheme that emphasizes physical press-man coverage and allows corners to play aggressively, Turner has the profile to become a difference-maker.

In the near term, he may continue to rotate or compete for a starting role while refining his technique and build consistency, especially in zone coverage and against bigger receivers. If he avoids major injury setbacks and continues to improve his fundamentals, his trajectory is toward being a long-term starter and an important part of the Bengals’ secondary.