Broncos roster review: Delarrin Turner-Yell

A three year starter from Oklahoma, Delarrin Turner-Yell was drafted by the Denver Broncos with the #152 pick of the 2022 NFL draft. In his rookie year Turner-Yell played the most special teams snaps of any player for the Broncos, but nothing defensively. In his follow-up campaign, Turner-Yell started two games, and played significant defensive snaps as the next safety up in two others.

Things did not go well. He was abused in coverage – giving up perfect passer ratings in each game he started when targeted. He lost his starting job to other players returning to health, and remained a major contributor on special teams until injuring his knee early in week 17.

He is not expected to suffer prolonged complications, but it is not clear when he will be fully ready to return. Starting the season on the PUP list is not out of the question.

Player Profile

Delarrin Turner-Yell | Safety | #32

Age: 24 | Experience: 3rd year | College: Oklahoma

Height: 5-11| Weight: 200 pounds

2023 stats: 34 tackles, 1 quarterback hit, 1 batted pass.

How he fits in with the Denver Broncos

The Denver safety room was in major flux last year. PJ Locke spent part of the season hurt, Caden Sterns was lost for the year early in the season, and Kareem Jackson spent lots of time suspended before finally getting cut. Turner-Yell had opportunities to play, and he played himself out of a job. That does not mean he will not have a chance, but its not going to be a big opportunity.

It looks like he is currently projected as Denver’s #4 safety if healthy, behind PJ Locke, Brandon Jones, and Caden Sterns. He has been a major contributor on special teams both years in the league.

Final Thoughts

Turner-Yell has two formidable obstacles facing him this season. He has to recover his health enough to play, and he has to significantly improve his play from a year ago. His two advantages are special teams availability and the possibility of starting the season on PUP means that he can replace a roster injury mid-season and so his path to the 53 man roster includes both making it traditionally and earning it through injuries to any special teams playing depth player. But I think the Broncos are more likely to experiment with the potential of other players defensively than they are to give Turner-Yell more opportunities.