Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Turner II took advantage of opportunities to play significant snaps as a rookie in 2023. Now possessing a clear pathway to an every-down starting role, Turner has every tool necessary to experience a breakout season in 2024.
The No. 60 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft began his rookie campaign as the Bengals' No. 3 boundary cornerback behind Cam Taylor-Britt and Chidobe Awuzie. Turner played between 21 and 39 defensive snaps in every game through the first four weeks of the season.
Awuzie was ruled out of the Bengals' Week 5 contest versus the Arizona Cardinals with a back injury. Turner earned his first career start opposite Taylor-Britt as a result. Turner played 96% of the defensive snaps and handled himself appropriately, only allowing three receptions on four targets for 29 receiving yards, per Pro Football Focus.
Look how high off the ground DJ Turner got to deflect a Joe Burrow pass intended for Trenton Irwin pic.twitter.com/S3Jv6mypNV
— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) May 28, 2024
Awuzie returned to the lineup the following game against the Seahawks, but the Bengals placed him on a limited snap count in favor of extended playing time for Turner. Turner continued maximizing his opportunities. In three of his next four showings, he allowed 10, 16, and nine receiving yards despite playing at least 71% of defensive plays in those showings.
Awuzie was eventually benched in favor of Turner. Awuzie’s form was derailed by recurring injuries and he was still suffering the lingering effects of a 2022 torn ACL. Awuzie returned to the lineup opposite Turner ahead of Week 11 after Taylor-Britt suffered an injury. Taylor-Britt was placed on IR and wouldn't return until Week 17.
As expected, Turner experienced some up-and-down showings as the weeks progressed forward. He allowed 90 receiving yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11 en route to a 35.1 coverage grade. More playing time led to more targets. Turner was also tagged with three receiving touchdowns from Weeks 15-18.
Those momentary struggles haven't concerned the Bengals this offseason. Awuzie was allowed to leave in free agency, signing a three-year, $36 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. Turner is the early favorite to claim the starting role opposite Taylor-Britt on a full-time basis, though he will face competition from an unexpected source.
Former Bengals first-round pick Dax Hill has undergone a position change this offseason from safety to cornerback. Hill first began lining up at boundary cornerback throughout OTAs and mandatory minicamp. His transition should continue taking shape at training camp, where he'll officially push Turner for the No. 2 cornerback spot.
Tuesday Bengals Notes 🗒️
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) May 28, 2024
-Zac Taylor downplays all OTA absences, noting Chase & Higgins will be with the team at the “necessary” time.
-Vonn Bell taking the first team reps over Jordan Battle
-DJ Turner running with the ones ahead of Dax Hill on the outside
-Top 7 on 7… pic.twitter.com/HO3vit9aa7
The Bengals don't have great depth behind them. Duke Tobin used a fifth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft on former TCU cornerback Josh Newton. Newton projects as a distant fifth cornerback behind Taylor-Britt, Turner, Hill, and nickel mainstay Mike Hilton.
The Bengals drafted Turner with a top-60 selection knowing they couldn't re-sign all of their ascending defensive backs. It was much easier to deem Awuzie surplus with Turner waiting in the wings. The former Michigan standout must now fend off a challenge from Hill but should establish himself as a starter at training camp.