The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for an exciting battle in their defensive backfield this upcoming season. With a plethora of talented defensive backs at their disposal, the Bengals are poised for a competitive training camp as they look to solidify their secondary.
One of the most intriguing camp battles to watch will be between Dax Hill and DJ Turner. Hill, a former safety and 2022 first-round pick, has been moved to outside corner where he will go head-to-head with his college teammate, Turner. Reports from OTAs suggest that Hill has a slight advantage heading into camp, but Turner’s solid rookie season adds another layer to the competition.
Both Hill and Turner were standout players at the University of Michigan, showcasing impressive skills and athleticism during their college careers. The Bengals’ decision to draft them back-to-back in the first and second rounds demonstrates their commitment to building a strong defensive back room.
Transitioning to a new position in the NFL is never easy, especially when it’s to a challenging position like outside corner. However, Hill has embraced the change with a positive attitude, stating, “It’s been good. I feel like obviously it was a transition, one I’m going to have to make but I feel comfortable. I trust the coaches. They’ve been preparing me well.”
As the Bengals prepare for the upcoming season, the coaching staff will have to consider how to best utilize Hill and Turner’s skills on the field. The possibility of swapping positions to maximize their athletic traits adds another layer of intrigue to the competition.
Competition brings out the best in players, and the willingness of Hill and Turner to do whatever is best for the team bodes well for the Bengals as they look to improve their defense in 2024. It will be interesting to see how this camp battle unfolds and how it impacts the Bengals’ success on the field this season. Stay tuned for more updates as training camp progresses.
