Summary

DJ Turner II was selected in Round 2 (#60 Overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan. A former track standout and multi-year starter in the Big Ten, Turner developed into one of college football’s top cover corners, known for elite speed and mirror ability. At Michigan, he totaled 70 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 17 passes defended, playing a key role in back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances (2021, 2022). He earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors (2022) and consistently drew top coverage assignments against elite receivers. Since entering the NFL, Turner has transitioned into a rotational outside corner and sub-package defender, contributing both on defense and special teams. Through the 2024 season, he has appeared in 30+ NFL games before really turning his game up with Al Golden in 2025. Turner is widely regarded as a high-character, disciplined, and detail-oriented professional, praised for work ethic, coachability, and competitive approach, with a reputation as a quiet but confident competitor.

Strengths

• Blazing Speed: One of the fastest corners in the NFL, Turner showcases rare recovery speed due to his track background and 4.26 forty.

• Mirror Ability: Excellent foot quickness and fluid hips allow him to stay in phase. Effectively carries go routes and limits separation downfield.

• Man Coverage Skills: Comfortable in press-bail and off-man techniques. Improved anticipation against intermediate breaks.

• Change of Direction: Loose, twitchy athlete who transitions smoothly. Confident matching speed receivers step-for-step, move-for-move, without hesitation.

Weaknesses

• Play Strength: Smaller frame can be challenged by physical receivers. Can struggle at the catch point against bigger targets.

• Run Support: Willing but inconsistent when taking on blocks. Frame requires careful workload management.

• Ball Production: Coverage skills outpace interception totals.

• Press Coverage vs. Size: Physical wideouts can disrupt timing early.

Outlook

Turner is best suited for man-heavy defensive schemes that emphasize speed, coverage discipline, and vertical containment. He thrives when allowed to play off coverage, leverage his recovery speed, and mirror receivers rather than consistently engaging in physical press situations. Turner is particularly valuable against speed-based offenses and vertical passing attacks, where his athletic profile limits explosive plays. Looking ahead, Turner projects as a long-term starting-caliber outside corner or high-end CB2 depending on matchup usage. He’s taken some time to marinate, but his continued development in play strength, ball skills, and run support will determine whether he reaches full-time CB1 status, which he is slowly creeping towards based on his 2025 play. Regardless, his elite speed, coverage fluidity, and professionalism give him a high floor as a reliable cover corner, with the upside to become a premier matchup defender against the league’s fastest receivers.