Major Outlet Names DJ Turner II 2023 NFL Breakout Candidate

CINCINNATI — Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II is entering his rookie season but Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame already thinks he's a strong breakout candidate.

Turner is the next man up on the outside behind Chidobe Awuzie and Cam Taylor-Britt.

"The Bengals’ secondary will look different this year." Verderame wrote. "Out are veteran safeties Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell, and corner Eli Apple. As a result, second-year players Cam Taylor-Britt and Dax Hill will see increased snaps, and they’ll be joined by Turner, a second-rounder out of Michigan. Turner has impressed Cincinnati with his blazing speed (4.26 40-yard dash) and great ball skills despite being only 5'11" and 178 pounds. While Turner is behind Mike Hilton, Chidobe Awuzie and Taylor-Britt on the depth chart, he’ll get plenty of run in Lou Anarumo’s defense."

Cincinnati selected Turner in the second round of this year's draft. He earned a 69.6 PFF grade this preseason across 86 snaps.

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