The NFL Draft will begin on April 25, 2024. In this scouting report, we take a look at Alabama defensive end Dallas Turner.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft scouting reports.
Dallas Turner was a big-time recruit coming out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 2021. He was the No. 1 EDGE and 12th-ranked player in the nation. He received 32 offers, including Clemson, Georgia, and Michigan, but decided to go with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. During his time at Alabama, Turner would earn All-SEC Freshman honors, a permanent captain nod, and 27 starts. He headlined his junior year with SEC Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-American honors.
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Name: Dallas Turner
Jersey: No. 15
Position: Outside Linebacker (EDGE)
School: Alabama
Class: Junior
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 247 lbs.
#Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner. 6’4 242.
• Explosive, disruptive 1st step.
• Violent hands + long arm stab.
• ++ Run defender/edge setter.
• Technically sound in all facets.
• Disciplined, but still very much a playmaker.
• Scheme diverse & moldable frame.
• Durable. pic.twitter.com/GXXBEVQjMD— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) February 28, 2024
Dallas Turner’s Strengths
Dallas has the prototype size that teams want from their 3-4 outside linebackers. He also plays a position similar to that prototype. He’s a big, fast, strong player who loves the physical aspect of football. Turner just blew scouts away with his blazing 4.47 forty-yard dash at the combine, which pairs nicely with his power profile.
Throughout Dallas’ film, you see him consistently get into offensive linemen’s chests with long arms and fast hands. He does a great job of using this move, speed, and power to disrupt the quarterback.
He’s also an above-average run defender. The same power that is used in the passing game translates into his ability to clog gaps. Turner can also use quickness to defeat blockers and blow up plays in the backfield.
Alabama LB Dallas Turner with a 4.47 40-yard dash😳
40.5’ Vertical
6’2” with a 83-inch wingspan.This kid is SPECIAL. pic.twitter.com/rVPsXtIuKW
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) March 1, 2024
Dallas Turner’s Weaknesses
Turner can run hot on the field, possessing some chippiness after the whistle. This is great if he can consistently control it, but you can’t do anything that will cost your team at the next level. Dallas also doesn’t have the pass rush arsenal that you see top EDGEs possess. This can be taught, however. If he continues to add to his game, he has a very high ceiling.
Pro Comparison: Andrew Van Ginkel
Van Ginkel burst onto the scene this year for the Miami Dolphins. He and Turner share the same body type and burst, and the former developed his pass-rush arsenal a little more once he reached the league. Turner can come in and produce near Van Ginkel’s level in his rookie year.
Draft Projection: Mid First Round
Teams can never have enough edge help. This class has some appealing names, but only three can truly be described as top-tier prospects. Turner is one, and there’s a good number of teams that would like his services. He’s been mocked often to Atlanta at No. 8, and while that’s rich, it’s possible. He could also land in places like New Orleans, Indianapolis, or a team in the No. 14-15 range.
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