2016 NFL Draft: North Carolina’s Landon Turner Scouting Report

Oct 29, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Landon Turner (78) blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Landon Turner (78) blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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North Carolina’s Landon Turner Scouting Report.

Landon Turner is a massive offensive guard prospect who also features a thick base. His size and length make it difficult for defenders to shoot the gap and work around his blocks. Turner brings added value thanks to his above-average athleticism for his size.

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He does a good job getting off the snap and putting himself in proper position. His commitment to using proper angles help him seal defenders from the play. Turner features some natural strength that pairs well with his size. However, he isn’t an overly powerful player and needs to increase his upper body strength.

Turner struggles to latch or velcro to the defender which allows them to quickly disengage. This becomes more of an issue with long-developing plays where he’s asked to maintain his blocks. He also needs to work on keeping his feet moving through contact in order to finish.

In pass protection, he plays with a wide base and keeps his head on a swivel. Turner has enough lateral quickness to mirror the defender, but it’s his width that makes it difficult for the pass-rusher to generate pressure. As mentioned earlier, he needs to do a better job sustaining his blocks as he allows the rusher to release too quickly.

The last few year’s at North Carolina, Turner operated in a spread offense that asked him to make a lot of blocks in space. He has the frame and natural tools to develop into a power player if a coaching staff is willing to put in extra time.

Turner will be an attractive prospect based on his size, experience and natural athleticism. He possesses a lot of abilities that just can’t be taught.

Current Draft Position: 3rd Round