How does Delarrin Turner-Yell impact Broncos safety position?
The Denver Broncos’ selection of Delarrin Turner-Yell further bolsters the defensive unit. What does the safety room look like with the addition?
As the 2022 NFL Draft continues, the Denver Broncos continue to build up depth. One of their fifth-round acquisitions, safety Delarrin Turner-Yell from Oklahoma, adds depth to the defensive unit as a whole.
The All-Big-12 Second Teamer had one of his best seasons in his collegiate career finale with the Oklahoma Sooners, specifically against Iowa State, where he capped eleven tackles and an interception. Turner-Yell also was recognized for his academic successes, earning All Big-12 Academic honors.
Looking at Turner-Yell’s scouting report, one of his most significant strengths is his ability to run stuff and to bring down larger tight ends. This should be music to the ears of fans of the Denver Broncos, considering both the struggles the defensive unit has had in covering tight ends, and the tight ends the Broncos face twice a year such as Travis Kelce and Darren Waller.
However, it is also noted that he can struggle against more athletic tight ends in man coverage.
Overall, Delarrin Turner-Yell is a highly aggressive and motivated safety that delivered for the Sooners when needed to make a big play. However, he has room for improvement, especially when it comes to finding the right angle when attempting to make a hit, and would benefit from more repetition in improving in man coverage.
Bleacher Report’s scouting team made this final assessment on Turner-Yell:
"Turner-Yell has gained a lot of experience over his career at Oklahoma. He excelled in the run game but has lacked in playing the pass, especially when in man coverage. He may find a role as a special teams player but lacks the ability to make an immediate impact at safety. He will need to improve his coverage ability, as well as his overall consistency(via Bleacher Report)"
Luckily, he has the opportunity to make all of these needed fixes with the Denver Broncos. Looking at the current depth chart, Delarrin Turner-Yell is already projected as the third-string strong safety behind Kareem Jackson and P.J. Locke, currently projected ahead of Jamar Johnson. Of course, this is simply a projection.
With the safety tandem of Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, there would be very few safety selections that would have been able to come to the Denver Broncos and make an immediate impact.
Add the success rookie Caden Sterns had found in 2021, and the Broncos found themselves sitting in a good position when it comes to safety. Anything additional is just icing on the cake.
At this time, Turner-Yell will provide competition for safeties such as P.J. Locke, Caden Sterns, and Jamar Johnson, but may see limited playing time in defensive snaps in 2022.
However, Turner-Yell could be one used to bolster a special teams unit that was one of the worst in the league in 2021. He could also be used for situational football and may put him on the field when they suspect a run play is coming and want a quick, hard stop, as that is one of his biggest strengths.
Overall, the Denver Broncos have gained another very good player in this draft via the Oklahoma Sooners, we just may see him in a lesser capacity for the time being.