The NFL Draft was only a few months ago, but that community doesn’t rest.
Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus recently did a piece on a 2024 draft prospect every team should keep an eye on, and Atlanta’s was one most fans are probably familiar with — Dallas Turner.
The Falcons ranked 31st in team pass-rush grade last season, ahead of only the Chicago Bears. They added Calais Campbell to help the cause, but they need an infusion of young talent.
Dallas Turner has been a solid player during his time at Alabama, and the Crimson Tide hope this is the year he breaks out as a star pass rusher. Turner finished last season with 37 pressures and five sacks, both ranking second behind Will Anderson Jr. With Turner taking on a greater role this season, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to vault himself into the top 15 of next year’s draft. His experience as a stand-up rusher would be a perfect fit for the Falcons’ defense.
Dallas Turner was the top pass rushing prospect coming out of high school, but he’s been overshadowed by Will Anderson since arriving in Tuscaloosa.
It’s not a knock on Turner. Anderson was just a generational player for the Tide, logging 34.5 sacks and 58.5 tackles for loss over three seasons. Still, Turner is no scrub and will absolutely be one of the most sought-after edge defenders in next year’s draft.
He’s a 6’4″ defender with a more slender build than some of the high profile players to come out of college, anywhere from 10-30 pounds lighter than Will Anderson, Aidan Hutchinson, and Travon Walker. He’s got a much quicker first step than most, and he should be able to shine on Alabama’s defense without Anderson.
He registered 18 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks during his first two seasons but could exceed those numbers in 2023 alone. He is a long-limbed, fluid athlete capable of playing from a two- or three-point stance with an impressive motor.
With a big 2023 campaign, nobody should be surprised if Turner enters the top 5 conversation. Hopefully, the Falcons aren’t even in a position to land someone as talented as Dallas Turner, but he’s the real deal, and any team is going to be thrilled to have him.
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