Payton Turner says he’s eager to prove why the Saints drafted him in the first round

Healthy and without Marcus Davenport ahead of him, Payton Turner says he’s eager to prove why the Saints picked him in the first round of the 2021 draft:

One big name at the Houston Cougars pro day was Payton Turner — the New Orleans Saints defensive end made the trip to support his teammates preparing for the 2023 NFL draft and catch up with old friends and coaches.

He also made time for a quick interview with KPRC2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson, who asked Turner about his thoughts on the Saints offseason so far and what it means for him in the team’s plans for 2023. One big change is the departure of Marcus Davenport to the Minnesota Vikings on a $13 million deal; Davenport and veteran backup Carl Granderson played ahead of Turner throughout his first two years in New Orleans.

“It’s an opportunity for me to step up,” Turner grinned, crossing his arms. “And just go prove why they went and got me in the first round (of the 2021 draft). We’ve got some good players at end and along the defensive line, across the board. Just going to earn (this opportunity) in camp and go out and play well, that’s the focus right now.”

Turner added that he’s been busy preparing for the upcoming season and working through “pre-hab” training, taking preventative measures against the risk of future injury. The 6-foot-6, 270-pound defensive end has been limited to playing in just 13 of the first 34 games his team has taken the field for in 2021 and 2022, largely due to nagging injuries. He’s hoping this work in the spring will pay off in the fall.

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