Delarrin Turner-Yell attempts what may be his last chance in the NFL returning from injury – can he beat the odds?
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 2023 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 spent the entire 2024 season the PUP list – he practiced in an attempt to return, but was not ready (or the Broncos did not have a spot for him) and so he spent the season healing.
Player Profile
Delarrin Turner-Yell | Safety | #32
Age: 25 | Experience: 4th 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 a strong spot last year, and the addition of Talanoa Hufanga pushes him even further away from the starting spots. He has proven his talent on special teams, but its not clear that the Broncos will be willing to save a roster spot for him. Its hard to judge players who are returning from injury until we see them on the field – some players do not put their hearts into rehab and others use the time to re-devote themselves to their craft.
It looks like he is currently projected as Denver’s #8 safety if healthy, behind Hufanga, Brandon Jones, PJ Locke, Devon Key, JL Skinner, Sam Franklin, and Keidron Smith. This is not a recipe for making a roster.
Final Thoughts
Turner-Yell has always had issues in man coverage, against much larger players, and against rapid change of direction. His best defense has been as a cover two zone safety, where he has done great work. None of this is likely to improve post-injury, so I think his best chances of making it are as a special teams standout. With a special teams coordinator that does not know him, Turner-Yell faces extremely challenging odds to make the Broncos roster. I do not particularly see any merit in putting him on a practice squad if he fails to make the roster either, as his limitations have been of the kind that rarely improve with additional practice and familiarity with a system.