Let’s be honest. There wasn’t a single mock draft that you did or saw anyone put out that had Houston defensive end Payton Turner getting drafted in the first round. But, WE are not the New Orleans Saints.
The team ended up staying put at pick #28 opening night and went with a prospect most had getting selected in day 2. Even Turner seemed surprised to hear his name called that early.
“I knew they liked me, I didn’t know they liked me at 28,” he told WWL‘s NFL draft krewe of Deuce McAllister, Bobby Hebert, Kristian Garic and Mike Detillier moments after getting selected. “Im just super excited they did like me because I like them. I’m just really excited to get over in NOLA.”
ESPN's Adam Schefter had reported before the draft that Turner could move into the first round due to high character and great measurables. He is 6-foot-6-inches tall, with a wingspan that is much talked about, measuring 84-inches and recorded 10.5 tackles for a loss, with five sacks in five games this past season.
But, what about stuffing the run? The Cajun Cannon pressed Turner about being an every down player, not just a guy who gets after the quarterback.
“Yeah, no doubt that's the dream, that's the goal is to be an every down player,” Turner responded. “Personally, I'd rather play the run, I like that one on one matchup. See who's going to get the best of you.
So I enjoy playing the run. I'm going to be violent, whether it be in the run or in pass rush. So that's the plan to be an every down player.”
The 22-year-old was born in Houston, TX, played high school football and basketball there, then became a Houston Cougar for 4 years. What was his family's reaction knowing that he wasn’t going to be far away in New Orleans?
“Ecstatic. They’ve been with me through this every step. For me to get my dream to come true, have my name called, where it got called, with who it got called by; it’s just a dream come true. I know they’re happy for me.
I know they love me, I love them. Couldn’t be happier.”
To hear the entire Payton Turner interview that includes one of the best rookie WHO DATS click below:
