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Name: Billy Turner
Position: OG
Height: 6’5" Weight: 310 lbs
Age: 25 Experience: 4th
College: North Dakota State
Billy Turner joined the Denver Broncos in October of 2016 after being released by both the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens in a span of six days. He was drafted in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft and spent most of that time at offensive guard.
He was pressed into service at left tackle last year for the Dolphins, but gave up three sacks and multiple pressures in a game against the Tennessee Titans that led to his release.
The Good
At 25, Turner is still young and already has four years experience in the NFL. His large frame could support more weight, which makes him an interesting guy on the depth chart. If he can add 10-15 pounds, he would be able to strengthen his core and make more of an impact in the trenches as a guard.
The Bad
In four years in the NFL, he hasn’t added any weight to his frame, which makes one wonder if he can. He gets pushed around at times and may not develop into the quality backup the Broncos need on the offensive line.
Quotable
That week in October before signing with the Broncos saw him a member of three different teams in a weeks’ time. Once signed by the Broncos, Turner didn’t even bother unpacking at first.
“It’s a business,’’ Turner said. “People looking in from the outside don’t really see that side of it. They just see everybody out there playing on Sundays. But it is a business and sometimes you get cut, you get released because they have to bring in another guy for certain positions.’’
Status
With the regime change in Denver and a wholesale change to the offensive scheme, Turner has a chance to catch on. Having played for Adam Gase in Miami may give him a leg up on other players as Gase coached under Mike McCoy system when they were both in Denver.
Turner has the experience over many of the other offensive guards on the roster, but he’ll need to make a significant impression on the coaches to secure a final roster spot heading into the regular season.