The Cincinnati Bengals have been trying to draft a defensive star for a long time, with the last one being Jessie Bates, their second-round pick from the 2018 Draft.
Now, it seems like they may have done it with their second-round pick from 2023, DJ Turner, the cornerback from Michigan, taking a step toward elite play in 2025. It seems the Bengals and their fans aren’t the only ones recognizing the growth Turner has shown and the potential he has.
In a recent tweet, Dan Hoard shares a quote from ESPN reporter Ben Solak on Turner’s talent and how he will try to get him attention.
“I will single-handedly get DJ Turner national attention — I swear to God I will,” said Solak. “Every time I’ve turned on Bengals’ defensive film the last couple of years, you just see a guy who moves as the top corners move and who can see the ball the way the top corners can.”
It is nice to see a Bengals player getting attention from a national reporter, and if the Bengals are going to rebound defensively from the last few years, a key will be Turner’s continued growth. With a better pass rush, especially from the Bengals’ much-improved defensive tackle position, Turner may not have to hold up in coverage for as long, or may have fewer errant throws to defend.
While it is nice to see a Bengals player getting praise, it is concerning that the second-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract with no deal. It is reminiscent of the previously mentioned last great defensive player the Bengals drafted in Jessie Bates. They ultimately let him walk after having him play on the franchise tag for a year.
After joining the Falcons, Bates continued his great play, earning two more Second-Team All-Pro selections. The Bengals need to be sure the same thing doesn’t happen with Turner, and ideally lock him down before another hopefully great season that would skyrocket his price even more.