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Dallas Turner, a standout linebacker from the University of Alabama, has garnered significant attention in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL draft. Following Alabama's college football playoff semifinal loss at the Rose Bowl, Turner announced his decision to enter the draft in January.
Ranked as the No. 10 overall draft prospect and the No. 3 edge rusher prospect by CBS Sports, Turner's impressive 2023 campaign included 50 total tackles, and nine sacks earning him consensus All-America and SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Former Super Bowl champion Kevin Carter praised Turner's versatility and impact on the field, stating:
"With Dallas Turner, look, I have keywords next to all these guys. And the one I have next to him is complete. Love his pedigree. Love how he's been trained. Love how he plays the game."
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Carter emphasized Turner's ability to seamlessly transition into various roles within the defense, comparing him to notable NFL linebackers such as TJ Watt, Von Miller, and Lawrence Taylor.
He highlighted Turner's adaptability, noting his 10 sacks when stepping into the buck linebacker role after Will Anderson's departure to the NFL.
"We saw him step into that role when Will Anderson voided and went to the NFL. He became the buck linebacker, the stand-up guy, the TJ Watt, the Bond Miller, the LT in this defense, if you will. And he delivered 10 sacks"
Dallas Turner is 6-foot-4 tall and weighs 242 pounds. His size and athleticism speaks volumes for playing in the NFL. Playing at Alabama, he started 10 games in 2022 and was a full-time starter in 2023.
This experience helped him get ready for the NFL. With Turner leaving, Alabama needs other linebackers to step up in 2024. Players like Jihaad Campbell, Deontae Lawson, and Trezmen Marshall did well in 2023 and will be crucial for the team's campaign.
Contrasting pass-rushing styles: Dallas Turner vs. Will Anderson
According to NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, Dallas Turner is poised to be the premier pass rusher in the upcoming NFL draft, following in the footsteps of his Crimson Tide predecessor, Will Anderson.
Despite their similar physical attributes in height and weight, Jeremiah emphasizes their divergent approaches to reaching the quarterback.
Jeremiah highlights Turner's exceptional agility and burst off the line, describing it as "pretty elite," while possessing superior bending abilities and fluid athleticism compared to Anderson.
"They are not similar at all. Dallas has a little more juice in terms of his get-off and burst," Jeremiah said Thursday on a media teleconference."It's pretty elite. He's a better bender. He's a more fluid and loose athlete than Will."
Conversely, Will Anderson is characterized by his raw power, excelling in overpowering blockers and disrupting the run game. Jeremiah added:
"Will, he's got a lot more horsepower, and not just with the bull rush. Playing through blocks, he's a little more (able to) knock (blockers) back at the point of attack against the run."
In 2023, the Houston Texans drafted Anderson third-overall, and he excelled. He racked seven sacks and 45 total tackles during regular play, while following it up a sack and four tackles in the playoffs.
