2021 Edge Rusher Prospect Profile - Payton Turner: University of Houston

By: Shawn Williams

This University of Houston Senior is the “prototype” for an NFL Defensive End.  At 6’6 and 270 pounds, his body is NFL ready.  His game may not quite be there yet.

Ok, Payton Turner. 6053, 270. 35" Arms. Look at that ability to corner and how far outside his frame his right foot catches to make this turn. pic.twitter.com/vnJu79G1bT

— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) March 26, 2021

After suffering an injury as a Senior in High School, he wasn’t heavily recruited, but did land himself at D1 Houston.  He arrived at 215 pounds but shot up to nearly 300 before settling in the 270 range. He was also moved around a lot, keeping him from settling and growing at a specific position. 

Edge Payton Turner from Houston is a hell of a player that will go somewhere day 2.
Enrolled at 215 pounds but is now playing at 6'5" 270.
He gave Zach Wilson fits all game!#PaytonTurner pic.twitter.com/4K2bkM4PzL

— John Chapman (@JL_Chapman) March 28, 2021

Turner does have a lot to love with his size, length, never ending motor, and ability to defend the run or rush the passer, which will likely place him in the early middle rounds of the draft.  No matter where he lands, he should be able to receive the stability and coaching he needs to refine his technique, and stance (he often struggled with his first few steps off the line in college).

Payton Turner (Houston, EDGE) really impressed me last night. Here, he beats BYU OT Brady Christensen with an inside move. pic.twitter.com/oiJcAffvsh

— Hollywood Dante (@DanteCollinelli) March 12, 2021

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For all of you Fin Fans, Turner looks a lot like another player that needed a couple years to develop; Emmanuel Ogbah.  Turner is probably going to be best suited as a 4-3 DE, but does have the versatility to play the 5-technique if needed.