Dallas Turner | Alabama 6’3” | 247 lbs 02/02/2003 (Age 21)
Dallas Turner was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, becoming the second Edge Rusher and 17th overall player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Dallas Turner came out of high school as a five-star prospect and after briefly considering Arkansas, chose to bring his talents to the Crimson Tide. In 2021 he earned the Freshman All-SEC team after compiling 8.5 sacks and 10 TFLs as a true Freshman. He also had 30 total tackles in his fifteen games with three starts. His sophomore season was his first as a regular starter. Turner started 10 out of 13 games and compiled 37 stops with eight TFLs and four sacks.
He saved his best for last before declaring for the NFL Draft by putting up 10 sacks, 14.5 TFLs, and 53 tackles in 14 starts in 2023. He also forced two fumbles. Finally out of the shadow of Will Anderson, Turner earned First-team Associated Press All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and First-team All-SEC awards. He was also a Finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year Award and the Lott IMPACT Award.
FILM
Surprisingly more athletic than Will Anderson (per the testing numbers), Dallas Turner has fewer developed moves and tools in his toolbox than did Anderson this time last year. Turner is wildly athletic with the explosive traits needed to become a dynamic pass rusher at the NFL level. Turner’s first-step get-off and elite closing burst are his hallmarks, but he still needs to work on the moves in his repertoire. With better hand technique and more moves, he can further improve his ability to create space on the edges and keep larger-bodied offensive linemen away from him.
The lone concerns come with size and the ability to hold up in the run game at the next level. Turner struggles at times to shed larger run blockers. That being said, a team that could flex him out in a wide-nine alignment more often would benefit him most to start his career. He also has the ability and some experience in coverage to peel off and follow a TE or RB into the flats.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Dallas Turner recorded a 4.46 40-yard dash with a 1.54-second 10-yard split. He chose to opt out of the bench press and 20-yard shuttle. His broad and vertical jumps were elite, at 10’7” and 40.5” respectively. He also stood out from his peers in the positional drills.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Good
Turner was selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Dallas Turner lands in at 17 overall, which is probably a little bit of a surprise to most analysts. He joins a solid spot in Minnesota, where there is a major need he fills, but there is a competent starter across from him in big-time free-agent addition Jonathan Greenard. Turner is a fast and dangerous pass rusher off the edge, as illustrated with his electric NFL Scouting Combine performance.
Turner has some moves to learn and techniques to refine, but as a pure athlete at his position, he is elite. He will now be the DE2 of this class, having been usurped by Laiatu Latu (not because of draft capital, but because your author loves the Latu’s landing spot). Turner has nearly as much upside as Latu but joins a less formidable defense who will be running out a rookie QB. Expect to see Turner drafted in the mid-to-late second round of dynasty rookie drafts.
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