On Thursday, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said that the team did not send any coaches to pro days this offseason, adding he preferred the convenience of being at “home base.”
However, the exception was defensive line coach Giff Smith, who was in attendance for Houston’s pro day on Friday, where edge defender Payton Turner was on display.
There, Turner, the 6-foot-5 and 268 pounder, likely caught the attention of Smith, posting a 35.5-inch vertical jump, an unofficial 6.70 in the three-cone and a 4.25 in the short shuttle.
After spending the majority his career for the Cougars as an interior defender, Turner slimmed down prior to the 2020 season, where he enjoyed arguably his most productive yet, totaling 25 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and a forced fumble in just five games.
Some quickness from 6-6, 270 pound EDGE Payton Turner! As a stand-up wide rusher! pic.twitter.com/hmCiyXRbjU
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) February 13, 2021
Turner is a long-bodied, high motored athlete who moves well for his size, displaying first-step quickness, ankle flexion and closing burst. He also possesses plus power and strength in his upper and lower body.
If Los Angeles selected him, Turner could be a versatile piece along the defensive line, capable of playing standing up or in a three-point stance on the outside, and also kick inside to the 4i-tech position.
Turner currently projects as a second- third-round selection.