Saints DE Payton Turner Primed for a Breakout Campaign
 

In the 2021 NFL Draft, University of Houston defensive lineman Payton Turner was a surprise first-round selection by the New Orleans Saints with the 28th overall pick.

Turner's 8.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss over his final two collegiate seasons put him on the radar of scouts. His performance in postseason workouts then vaulted him into the first round.

Turner had a rough rookie season. He missed most of training camp and the regular season opener with calf and elbow injuries. He’d finally make his NFL debut in Week 2 at Carolina. Despite the lack of preseason reps, he immediately showed what made him a high draft choice.

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In just 31 snaps against the Panthers, Turner recorded a sack, 3 tackles for loss, and 5 QB pressures. After that strong debut, he played solid football over the next few weeks as a member of a deep edge rotation. Unfortunately, Turner sustained a shoulder injury during a Week 9 loss to Atlanta. The injury would sideline him for the rest of the year, limiting his rookie campaign to just five games.

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Re: Saints DE Payton Turner Primed for a Breakout Campaign
 

I'm excited to see how much improvement Turner has made since last year. I thought he looked really good for a rookie and expect him to be even better with some seasoning and a full year with this coaching staff.

Re: Saints DE Payton Turner Primed for a Breakout Campaign
 

Healthy the guys a beast.

Re: Saints DE Payton Turner Primed for a Breakout Campaign
 

Dr. Rhea has entered the chat.

If Turner can stay somewhat “healthy” in 2022, that’s huge.

See Carolina game.

Re: Saints DE Payton Turner Primed for a Breakout Campaign
 

He is very similar to Davenport. While he might not be as athletic as Davenport. He has more moves then Davenport did when he first got into the league. That Carolina game, he was a one man wrecking crew. Enough that Carolina doubled teamed him the rest of the game.

Re: Saints DE Payton Turner Primed for a Breakout Campaign
 

Turner feels like another first round draft pick this year...or at least that promising rookie who made it to IR so we could stash him. Our D-line is going to be nasty in 2022!

Re: Saints DE Payton Turner Primed for a Breakout Campaign
 

Not to derail the thread but DE Tanoh Kpassagnon I thought played EXTREMELY well before the injury.

Again, if we can get a little "lucky" with the injuries in 2022 ... these DEs will be trouble. All tall, long, and capable of getting there in a hurry.

Davenport, Iron man Jordan, Tanah & Payton Turner. Strong group here.

Re: Saints DE Payton Turner Primed for a Breakout Campaign
 

And Charlton and Granderson. It'll be interesting to see how the team turns out this next season.

Re: Saints DE Payton Turner Primed for a Breakout Campaign
 

Turner should only get better in his second year with the proper coaching and weight training. If he can spend more time on the field he will be a dominating player freeing up the other players on the D-line to make splash plays in the back field. I'm truly excited about this D-line this year. Nielson is a great coach and technician. He'll be getting some serious job offers soon.