In all likelihood, Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner will not be on the draft board when the Detroit Lions make their first pick at No. 29 overall. Even if he was, Christian Booher of SI.com’s All Lions argues that the Lions should not even consider Turner.
Booher identified the All-American Alabama edge rusher as one of five prospects the Lions should avoid in the 2024 NFL draft.
“Turner took a big leap as a pass-rusher last season, as he finished the year with 55 pressures and 10 sacks,” Booher said in a statement. “He concluded his three seasons at Alabama with 22.5 total sacks, indicating that he will be a quality professional player.
“However, Turner did not show much improvement in his run defense. His Pro Football Focus run defense grade was 69.8, the lowest in his three-year career.
“The Lions require guys who are strong against the run, and Turner’s performance did not reflect that. It’s a deep pass-rusher class early on, allowing Detroit to be thorough and find their ideal match.”
Most people will be surprised if someone recommends avoiding Turner in the forthcoming draft. ESPN, Pro Football Focus, and Bleacher Report all rank Turner as one of the top two edge rushers in the 2024 draft class.
Turner is also regarded as a top-16 prospect on all three draft boards.
Last season, in addition to 10 sacks, Turner had 14.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass defense. In three years at Alabama, he had 22.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss in 38 games.
Concerns about Alabama edge rusher According to draft experts from PFF and Bleacher Report, Dallas Turner is not yet a fully developed player, especially against the run. Matt Holder of BR argued that Turner may benefit from additional strength in run defense.
“He is a little light and could afford to add some more strength to hold up against better competition in the NFL,” Holder said in a statement. “That will also help him shed blocks more consistently.”
However, Turner is extremely athletic, especially when rushing the quarterback. Turner, despite taking some time to mature, is anticipated to be a top ten pick in 2024 due to his potential.
“Long and athletic with the explosive traits needed to become an impactful NFL pass rusher,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote. “Turner’s frame and game are much less developed than Will Anderson Jr.’s coming out of Alabama last year, so it could take time for him to make his mark as a starting 3-4 outside linebacker.”
Turner is very unlikely to remain on the board until the 29th overall pick. If he does, his run defense or need for more growth will most likely be the causes for his decline in the rankings.
Turner, at No. 29, has the potential to provide exceptional value that will be difficult to pass up.
Why the Lions Might Use an Edge Rusher in the First Round
If the Lions select an edge rusher in the first round, they would undoubtedly prefer to find one who is strong in all areas. However, pressuring the passer is Detroit’s most pressing need in the front seven.
Last season, the Lions ranked second in run defense and 23rd in sacks. Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill were the only Lions defenders to have more than three sacks in 2023.
Adding Turner to the mix, even if he remains a pass-rushing specialist in his first season, might help Hutchinson and McNeill face fewer double-team blocks.
There should also be plenty of hope that Turner can strengthen his upper body and become a superior run blocker. According to Zierlein, Turner gained 20 pounds while at Alabama.
It appears unlikely that the Lions have eliminated the idea of acquiring Turner, as Booher claimed. However, the Lions don’t need to sign Turner to find an impactful edge rusher in the 2024 class. Laiatu Latu and Jared Verse, both edge rushers, are also probable first-round picks.
Turner is unlikely to be available at No. 29.
