Bengals double-down on defense in NFL Draft

D.J. Turner Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bengals double-down on defense with 60th pick in draft

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 4/28/23

The Bengals opted to go defense once again on Friday night, rather than add another weapon to QB Joe Burrow's arsenal.

With pick No. 60 in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Cincinnati selected Michigan CB D.J. Turner.

The addition may seem surprising in one light, but it only proves the confidence the team already has in Burrow and its offense. The Bengals could still add to their offense over the remainder of the draft, but they clearly have higher aspirations for their defense in 2023 as they try to make it back to the Super Bowl.

Turner brings next-level speed Cincinnati's secondary and ran a 4.26 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The @Bengals new CB @djturner_5 runs an insane 4.26. @UMichFootball | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/qm1YCrVoWX
— NFL (@NFL) April 29, 2023

"Turner has the best speed of anyone in this cornerback class. His movement skills are second to none, too," Pro Football Focus notes in its scouting breakdown of the standout Wolverine.

Turner also provides insurance in the cornerback room, joining Chidobe Awuzie, Cam Taylor-Britt and Mike Hilton in the secondary -- all of whom battled injuries in 2022.

Cincinnati may not have had the flashiest draft as Day 2 rolls on, but the team has addressed positions they believe can lead them on another deep postseason run.

After back-to-back appearances in the AFC Championship Game, Turner may help the Bengals finally get over the hump and win the franchise's first championship in 2023.

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