We kick off our series on the New Orleans Saints' 2021 draft picks spotlighting former Houston DE Payton Turner. Cougars radio broadcaster Jeremy Branham (UH Learfield IMG) explains how he's shined under different coaching staffs and schemes at Houston, why being a multi-sport athlete is so valuable for the first-round pick, why Turner's best football remains in front of him, and much more.

Branham has a unique viewpoint covering the Cougars from the sidelines - you'll hear in the Random Round his most memorable moment covering Turner, the one skill he needs to improve most, and Branham's message for the rookie as he arrives in New Orleans.

A new episode is coming FRIDAY featuring Saints second-round pick Pete Werner's high school coach Rick Streiff from Cathedral in Indianapolis!

LISTEN FOR THESE QUOTES

(4:45) "His stock was roaring up before the start of the draft. When the season ended, was probably considered a 3rd or 4th rounder, and then when people started to watch more film on him and look at all his pro day stuff was when his stock really started climbing."

(7:36) "It wasn't a matter of can he play in the league or would he go in the first, to me it was just find him a good landing spot where the coaches will put him in a spot to excel and succeed. And now that he is a first-rounder, really the Saints have no choice right, because you have to protect your investment. He's a kid that deserves everything he gets. I'm really excited for Payton Turner."

(8:46) "That's the biggest intangible - how much he really enjoys playing."

(12:20) "Not only is he big, but he covers a lot of ground left arm to right arm. But he also has a burst of quickness that allows him to get into the backfield."

(14:33) "The first two years of Payton Turner's career he was in a 3-4, and then when Dana Holgorsen came in he kinda changed it to a 4-2-5. It was a 4-3 base, but they ran a lot of 4-2-5 out of it, and he excelled with that defense."

(15:40) "I think he's going to be more of an edge guy with the ability to move in on pass rushing situations."

(17:10) "That's one thing I would add about Payton Turner - his best football is far from him."

(19:10) Random Round

CONNECT WITH US / LINKS MENTIONED

Jeremy Branham Twitter

Coogs' Corner Podcast

Houston Athletics on iHeartMedia

Rachel Jones Twitter

Rachel Jones Instagram

SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW

“Black and Gold Rush is awesome and authentic, and I can’t wait for more.” <--- If that sounds like you, please rate and review the show!

---> It’s easy - scroll to the bottom on Apple Podcasts, tap to rate out of 5 stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!