DJ Turner makes history in 40-yard dash, more NFL Combine results
Michigan football’s DJ Turner lit up the NFL Combine on Friday afternoon with the cornerbacks, running an official 4.26 40-yard dash, the 4th fastest in the history of the event. While he had been a very good player on the Wolverine defense, the speed caught even the most diehard of fans and draftniks by surprise.
Wide receiver John Ross (4.22), cornerback Kalon Barnes (4.23) and East Carolina running back Chris Johnson (4.24) still hold the fastest marks in NFL Combine history, but Turner has now put himself on a historic pedestal. His 4.26 time ties him with UTSA’s Tariq Woolen, who ran his time last year prior to being drafted in the fifth round by the Seattle Seahawks.
Turner had a tremendous day at the office after measuring in at 5-foot-11, 178 pounds. In addition to his 40-yard dash time, he also ran a 1.47-second 10-yard split, which was also tops at the cornerback position. After setting the mark in his first 40-yard dash attempt, he did not participate in the remaining drills on the day. He holds out now for Michigan football’s pro day on March 17.
Turner’s performance is no guarantee for where his draft status will wind up, but he seems to have solidified the idea that he is at worst a day-two selection. Some believe he has a legitimate shot to come off the board in the first round, which would likely make him the top Michigan player drafted this time around.
“Game changer w/ his speed, ability and mind,” defensive backs coach/co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale told PFF. “Has all the football attributes to be a great player. “Extremely smart player whose best football is ahead of him.”
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NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compares him to Avante Maddox out of Pittsburgh and said there are concerns about how he holds up against bigger receivers.
“Explosive athlete combining fluidity, speed and superior technique to excel at his craft,” he wrote. “Turner is scheme-diverse with the ability to line up inside or outside in coverage. He’s graceful with his mirror and match movements from press or off-man coverage, but he is plenty feisty when challenging throws or hitting receivers after the catch. Despite his competitiveness, big receivers can bounce him around and beat him on 50/50 balls. Turner has the tools and talent to become an early starter as a nickel corner capable of matching up with both shifty and speedy opponents.”
The Draft Network says: “In all, an NFL team will be receiving one of the better cover corners in the 2023 draft class. Turner’s blend of athleticism, competitiveness, instincts, and coverage flexibility gives him a high floor and ceiling heading into the NFL. Turner looks his best in tight man-to-man coverage. This is where his quiet footwork and smooth transitions are an advantage. Teams that need a young cornerback that can step into the CB2 spot as a rookie will be happy with Turner.”
Other Michigan notes from Friday
Special teamers were also going through workouts on Friday, but nothing groundbreaking took place with Michigan kicker Jake Moody and punter Brad Robbins. Each did some light kicking work on the field, but more or less got their measurements in and met with teams at the event.
Saturday will be a busier day for Michigan players on the field with wide receiver Ronnie Bell and tight end Luke Schoonmaker set to go through on-field work. The workouts will be televised starting at 1 p.m. ET and runs through 8 p.m. on NFL Network. Work finishes up with the offensive linemen with Olu Oluwatimi and Ryan Hayes on Sunday.
