DJ Turner Is Locking Down WRs - So Why Isn’t He a Pro Bowl Lock?
There’s a quiet storm brewing in Cincinnati - and it goes by the name DJ Turner. While the Bengals’ defense has had its fair share of ups and downs this season, one thing has been steady: Turner has emerged as a true shutdown corner, playing at a level that deserves serious All-Pro consideration. Yet somehow, he’s not even cracking the top 10 in Pro Bowl fan voting.
Let’s break this down.
Turner’s Breakout Year Deserves More Than a Shrug
Turner isn’t just having a “good” season - he’s putting together the kind of campaign that makes you rethink how you evaluate young corners. After a rookie year filled with promise and a sophomore season derailed by a broken collarbone, Turner has come back with a vengeance. He’s not just surviving out there - he’s thriving.
Over the last three games, Turner has allowed just 22 yards in coverage. That’s not a typo.
Twenty-two. That kind of lockdown performance doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s technique, film study, instincts - all coming together at the right time. On the season, he’s giving up just 26.5 yards per game.
That’s elite territory.
And if you’re into the analytics side of things, here’s a stat that jumps off the page: among all qualifying cornerbacks, only Tampa Bay’s Jamel Dean has a higher Pro Football Focus coverage grade than Turner. That’s not just good company - that’s top-tier stuff.
So… What Gives With the Pro Bowl Voting?
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero dropped the latest fan voting results, and Turner’s name was nowhere to be found in the top 10 among cornerbacks. And look, there are some worthy names on that list - Jaycee Horn, Derek Stingley Jr., Cooper DeJean, Christian Gonzalez - all playing strong football.
But when you see names like Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes sitting sixth and seventh, you have to raise an eyebrow. Forbes, in particular, has improved in Los Angeles, sure.
But he also gave up a pair of big touchdowns in the Rams’ Week 13 loss to Carolina. That’s not exactly Pro Bowl résumé material.
Turner, on the other hand, has been a steady force in a Bengals secondary that’s had to patch holes and adjust on the fly. His performance isn’t just solid - it’s game-changing. He’s the kind of corner who erases one side of the field and lets the rest of the defense play faster and more aggressively.
Cincinnati’s Secondary Is Quietly Taking Shape
Turner’s rise hasn’t happened in a vacuum. The Bengals have found unexpected juice from practice squad call-up Jalen Davis at nickel, and Dax Hill has shown real promise when pushed out to the boundary. Together, they’ve formed a surprisingly effective trio - a group that’s helped stabilize a defense that was reeling early in the season.
It’s no coincidence that Cincinnati’s defense has looked sharper as Turner has elevated his play. His ability to lock down top receivers gives the Bengals flexibility in coverage and confidence in their matchups. That’s the kind of impact that doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it’s felt every snap.
The Bigger Picture: Turner’s Extension Clock Is Ticking
Turner becomes extension-eligible after Year 3, and if he keeps trending the way he has, the Bengals are going to have a decision to make - and soon. Cincinnati has a history of waiting a bit too long to reward homegrown talent, but Turner’s breakout might force their hand. He’s not just a good player - he’s becoming a foundational piece of this defense.
But that’s a conversation for the offseason.
Right Now, He Deserves Your Vote
The Pro Bowl might not carry the same weight it once did, but for players, it still matters. It’s recognition.
It’s validation. And for someone like Turner - who’s quietly become one of the best corners in the league this season - it’s overdue.
So if you’re a Bengals fan, or just a fan of elite cornerback play, it’s time to do your part. Head to NFL.com, navigate through the voting (yes, it’s a little clunky), and make sure DJ Turner gets the nod he’s earned. Voting ends December 15.
Turner’s not just playing well - he’s playing like a star. It’s time the rest of the league took notice.