Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Size:
Height: 6’2.75”
Weight: 247 pounds
Arm Length: 34 3/8"
Hand Size: 9 7/8"
Accomplishments:
First-Team All-American (2023) • Bednarik Award finalist (2023) • Freshman All-American (2021) • All-SEC Freshman Team (2021)
“Dallas Turner has all of the physical tools to develop into a consistently impactful edge rusher in the NFL.”
Strengths:
First-step explosiveness
Fluid movement in the open field
Great bend to turn the edge
Position/alignment-versatile
Concerns:
Strength at the point of attack in the run game
Deconstructing blocks
Consistently set the edge of the defense
Film Analysis:
Dallas Turner is a versatile edge defender that aligned in multiple positions along the defensive front—he will also align in a two, three, or four-point stance depending on the offensive formation and his specific responsibility. At Alabama, Turner was responsible for both setting the edge of the defense against the run and rushing the quarterback. Turner appears to be most natural when he’s rushing the QB and that is where his physical tools and plus-level traits showcase the best.
Turner is most effectively aligned on the edge of the defense in a three-point stance. From this alignment, Turner can use his first-step explosiveness to gain the edge on offensive tackles and win around the arc. Being in a three-point stance allows Turner to already have a low pad level and use this to his advantage to win the leverage battle with tackles to bend the corner.
Turner profiles as a speed rusher who uses his natural athleticism on the edges. Regarding his pass-rush repertoire, Turner will utilize a two-hand swipe or a ghost move where he shows off how flexible he is being able to get under the tackles and turn the corner. Turner's athleticism also allows for him to drop in coverage and he shows to be fluid when changing direction and running with skill players vertically up the field. His athleticism also allows him to make sideline-to-sideline plays and make tackles 30-40 yards down the field.
Turner's winning skill set as of now is rushing the passer, but the part that needs improvement is his ability to be an impactful run defender. As an edge defender, Turner will occasionally have a difficult time shedding blockers and they appear to have control of the rep. It appears that Turner needs to get stronger to be able to shed blockers more quickly and efficiently.
Overall, Turner's most impactful plays come via his athleticism and ability to rush the passer.
Prospect Projection: Day 1 — Pro Bowl Caliber
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Texas (2023) Ole Miss (2023), Texas A&M (2023), LSU (2023), LSU (2022), Texas A&M (2022), Texas (2022), Auburn (2022)
