While the Browns need quality depth at both the defensive end and defensive tackle positions, look no further than the third-round for some quality pieces. Despite only playing five games in 2020, he is explosive but isn’t a pure speed rusher. Versatility is in his toolbox as he has played every position along the D-line. Can slide an offensive tackle’s outside shoulder with a lean underneath is a signature move. Great push off the edge. Former basketball player, has great speed for a man his size. Excellent tackler with zero missed tackles last season.
EDGE Payton Turner
Draft projection: late second-round to mid third-round
Specifics:
College: Houston
Height: 6’-5”
Weight: 270 pounds
40-time: 4.55
Career Tackles: 114
Career Forced Fumbles: 1
Career Sacks: 9.5
Career Tackles for Loss: 23.5
Career starts: 36
Positives:
- Non-stop motor
- Hustler and long-legged
- Durable
- Complete upside abilities
- Will trail on every play
- Has played inside and outside, right and left
- Second Team All-AAC 2020
- Impressive at the Senior Bowl
- Three year starter
- Impressive pass rusher
- Wingspan 84 1/8 inches
Negatives:
- Refine his technique
- Need to recognize some blocking schemes
- Average run support
- Rotational player at first, will need some grooming
- Can be slow off the snap
- Learn to convert speed to power
- Block deconstruction needs work
Expert Draft Site Analysis
CowboysWire.com
Turner was one of the breakout stars of the college football world this season. While only appearing in five games, racked up a whopping 10.5 tackles for loss to go along with 5.0 sacks. Turner is the definition of a do-it-all player, he can win in so many different ways off the edge whether it is with bend, speed, power, or advanced hand usage.
There is definitely still room to improve his speed off the snap Turner has excellent size to go along with above-average explosiveness and bend. Turner is a fantastic Day 2 prospect who teams should be salivating over due to his versatility and well-rounded skill set.
DT Jay Tufele
A former four-star recruit, Tufele was an opt-out last season. He possesses maturity with a great motor. Despite his large frame, he is able to chase ballcarriers and is very good in run support. Is a player that never seems to tire. Scheme versatility to play in either two gap systems or as a pass rusher in single-gap. Very strong and powerful.
Draft projection: mid to late third-round
Specifics:
College: USC
Height: 6’-2”
Weight: 305 pounds
40-time: 4.98
Career Tackles: 64
Career Forced Fumbles: 0
Career Sacks: 6.5
Career Tackles for Loss: 10
Career starts: 24
Positives:
- First step quickness
- Can soak up multiple blockers
- Run defense his specialty
- Highly-productive
- Feisty and tough
- Consistently gets leverage on his blockers
- First Team All Pac-12 2019, Second Team 2018
- Hard-charging
- Progression from his freshman to sophomore year
- Impressive work ethic
- Outstanding run support
Negatives:
- Can get out-positioned
- Needs to add power to his resume
- Only played two seasons in college
- Rotational player at first, will need some grooming
- Will need development
Expert Draft Site Analysis
ProFootballNetwork.com
Guys who are 6’2″ and 305 pounds are simply not meant to move that well. His athleticism presents itself in two very distinct ways. The first is his explosiveness. His movement when the ball snaps is akin to a bullet being fired out of a gun. His get off is so fast. That helps him be disruptive both against the run and as a pass rusher. Opposition offensive lines have to game plan to counter this explosiveness. As a result, you’ll often see him attracting double teams on running downs. This frees up other defensive players to attack with more freedom.
The second way is with agility and overall speed. His ability to effortlessly change direction is a joy to watch. He is nimble on his feet and fluid in his movement. He is strong both against the run and as a pass rusher. This composition will allow him to be a three-down defensive tackle in the NFL. Against the pass, he combines his athleticism with violent hands and a couple of pass rush moves to overcome single blockers.