3 best rookie performers at Commanders’ training camp
2. TE Cole Turner
The Commanders’ second fifth-round draft pick has flashed in a big way early. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury and he has been relegated to the side field as Washington is being cautious with the rookie tight end. That does not take away though how promising he has looked, however.
With Logan Thomas on the PUP list, and John Bates being sidelined for a few weeks with a leg injury, Cole Turner had a golden opportunity. The day three pick was thrust into getting the bulk of the first-team reps.
It is safe to say he put his best foot forward before suffering the injury, after being rolled up by Percy Butler on a play.
Turner has quickly grown a rapport with Carson Wentz. Throughout his career, Wentz has been very successful throwing to tight ends and larger targets, with the likes of Zach Ertz, Alshon Jeffrey, Dallas Goedert, and Michael Pittman Jr being some of his favorite targets in his six years in the NFL.
Standing at 6-foot-6, it is pretty clear why the Commanders spent the fifth-round pick on the Nevada product. His large frame coupled his wide wingspan bodes really well with Wentz’s ability as a passer. While Wentz is talented, he is far from a pinpoint passer.
There is a reason Rivera has stressed getting receivers with “wide catch radiuses.” Wentz, at times, has complete scattershot accuracy. That has held true so far in the practices, yet Wentz has had no problems connecting with Turner.
Turner has been one of Wentz’s favorite targets in the red zone when healthy, hauling in multiple touchdowns over the course of training camp. Matthew Paras, a reporter for the Washington Times, says Turner is also being used as a vertical threat up the seams. He’s hauled in contested catches over the likes of Bobby McCain and Kam Curl. Turner is showing how his skillset directly translates to the NFL against the Commanders’ starting-caliber competition.
As much as Cole Turner should be a value in the red zone, it’s him as a vertical threat that is really intriguing to me. Washington hasn’t been shy in having him run deep routes and Wentz likes to go there. Turner’s made plays, too.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 2, 2022
It takes one glance to see Turner’s former basketball background. An All-Conference player in high school, Turner boxes out his defender and plucks the ball out of the air. Turner won’t contribute much as a blocker, as the Nevada offense did not ask him to do that much. He will effectively serve as a “big slot” for the Burgundy & Gold.
If Turner’s hamstring injury is indeed minor, he should contribute right away for the Commanders. While Thomas continues to work his way back from injury, Turner should have a higher workload than expected. So far, Turner has shown the spotlight is not too bright.