As the college football season barrels forward, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Dallas Turner.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dallas Turner

Dallas Turner (DE – Alabama)

6’4” – 242 lbs.

Background:

A five-star recruit out of the legendary St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida (Michael Irvin, the Bosa brothers and others went there, too). He has been a major contributor since his first season with the Tide: Turner posted 30-10.0-8.5 in 2021, a year in which he started three of his appearances and totaled 370 snaps overall. He started all but four games the following season and finished a 37-8.0-4.0 line on 647 snaps. Turner has been enjoying another strong season so far this year, which looks like it could end up being his most productive.

Positives:

Productive three-year contributor for a major program. Tall, long edge defender who’s been adding some bulk. Plays out of both two- and three-point stances. Knows how to use his length to lock out opponents. Plays with effective knee-bend and a good pad level for a taller edge. Does a good job of locating when engaged and can make tackles while taking on blockers. Shows excellent range and effort in pursuit; very fast, natural mover. Able to anticipate the snap count, and shows an impressive first step to threaten the edge with speed. Bends a smooth arc when he wins the edge. Converts speed to power effectively, with good leg drive and the ability to swim off of blocks as he approaches the quarterback. Closes fast and can convert his rushes into sacks by chasing down passers from behind. Works in a nice spin counter to redirect when he gets too far upfield. Uses the straight arm to the upper chest. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes. Looks fluid carrying backs or tight ends into the flats.

Negatives:

Could still be considered slightly thin for some teams, especially those that run even defensive fronts. When his pad level rises, can be moved off of his spot in the run game. Could be a bit more consistent about keeping his shoulders square when defending the run. Has a wide radius, but comes in too hot and misses more tackles than you’d like. Somewhat dependent on his first step and bull-rush in the passing game, and could work different moves into his approach more consistently.

Summary:

A leaner, faster pass-rusher than Alabama usually produces. He looks like the fastest, smoothest and most flexible edge defender in this year’s class. Combined with his ability to use his length to keep linemen out of his pads and play off of blocks in the run game, has the look of a future first-round pick. Would probably be best suited as a weak-side edge in a scheme that lets him work out of two-point stances relatively frequently.

Projection: Round 1