With the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints drafted Payton Tuner, a defensive lineman out of the University of Houston. This is more than a small surprise at the end of the First Round. Most mock drafts projected Turner to go in the late Second Round at the very earliest. He was a difference-maker at Houston, and the Saints clearly feel as though he can be the same for them.
Payton Turner Highlights
Payton Turner NFL Draft Profile and Stats
Payton Turner
Position: Defensive Lineman
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 270 lbs
Age: 22
College: Houston Cougars
Payton Turner 2020 Stats
- Games Played: 5
- Total Tackles: 25
- Solo Tackles: 17
- Tackles for Loss: 10.5
- Sacks: 5
- Forced Fumbles: 1
Payton Turner Draft Profile
Strengths
Payton Turner isn’t lacking in experience thanks to being a three-year starter at Houston. He maps out as a long and athletic defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. At 6’6″ and 270 pounds, Turner’s size is arguably overwhelming relative to other players at the position. He brings impressive reaction time to the table as well and can get off the ball in a hurry. Turner’s college career was also marked with continued growth and progression, something that is clearly a positive when it comes to learning the ropes at the professional level.
Weaknesses
One of the biggest knocks against Turner is that he plays too upright. Given his height and size, failing to play from an athletic stance is a significant con as it negates the size and power he possesses. Turner will also need to improve at his in-play adaptability. When his first rush or plan of attack was thwarted, he showed a tendency to struggle at adjusting to other plans and counterattacks.
What to Expect from Payton Turner in 2021
Well, this is an interesting pick from Sean Payton and the Saints, to say the least. Payton Turner goes basically a full round ahead of what most mock drafts considered to be his ceiling in the late Second Round. It’s also not totally clear where New Orleans envisions him fitting in. This is by no means a team that is lacking in talent along the defensive front. Perhaps it was his continued progression and growth as a player that intrigued the team. Any player who is willing to learn and grow certainly has potential. Just don’t bank on Turner having a massive role on the Saints defense during his rookie season.
