Two Prospects Who Will Outplay Where They Are Drafted

DJ Turner and Keeanu Benton are better than where they are projected to be drafted.

Author:
Jack Borowsky
Publish date:
Apr 14, 2023 9:19 AM EDT

In this story:

Every year teams, fans and analysts say the same things, “How’d we let that player get past us?” In the first two rounds, where the top prospects are drafted, it is imperative that organizations make the right pick. Here are two prospects who will be high draft picks and outplay where they are selected.

CB DJ Turner, Michigan

Since running a 4.26 40-yard dash at the combine, Turner has started to rise up draft boards but his tape was also phenomenal this past season. He is excellent in man coverage, with the ability to flip his hips and stay step for step with receivers downfield. Turner possesses natural instincts and the click and close speed to break up passes. He had ten pass breakups in 2022. Turner’s change of direction, fluidity and toughness will allow him to excel in the slot as well. Teams love man cover cornerbacks with inside-outside versatility and that is Turner to a T. Right now, Turner is viewed as a prospect who will go in the 25-40 pick range, which is too low. Turner has the talent and right makeup to end up as a top ten cornerback in the NFL and a pro bowl player.

DT Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin

My number two defensive tackle in the entire draft, Benton, is a massive defensive tackle who is a very athletic player for his size. Benton is the best run defender in the draft and he’ll be a high-end run defender as a rookie. What makes Benton such an intriguing prospect, though, is his upside as a pass rusher. Benton is explosive off the snap, displaying violent hands and the power to knock back interior offensive linemen. He is very quick and bends well, making Benton a threat to win in a multitude of ways. Benton showed how good of a pass rusher he is during a dominant Senior Bowl week. There is a lot of untapped potential with Benton as a pass rusher that could make him a very effective 3-tech at the next level. Benton gets routinely mocked in the second round but he is a first-round caliber player and a better prospect than the likes of Bryan Bresee and Calijah Kancey.