Dallas Turner OLB Alabama: Scouting Report

Height: 6’4 

Weight: 242

Overall

Dallas Turner is an athletic edge rusher/outside linebacker in Alabama’s 4-3 defense. In his 3 collegiate seasons, he played in 42 games, starting 27 of them. He had a very productive career with the Crimson Tide and made big plays on tape but he projects best in a 3-4 defense at the next level rather allowing him to better utilize his speed and athleticism. 

Pass Game

As a pass rusher, Turner primarily played as a stand up edge rusher and he has a quick first step and is explosive off the line of scrimmage. He has a strong initial punch and does a good job of using his length to create separation but with his thin frame, he often struggles creating pressure with his strength alone. At times he can get offensive tackles on their heels with his bullrushes but a majority of the time he gets swallowed up by bigger linemen. When his initial pass rush move is unsuccessful and linemen get their hands on him he struggles getting off blocks and he is taken out of plays. While his strength rarely creates pressure, his speed and athleticism allow him to make big plays on the outside and on quick inside moves. He has excellent balance and if he gains a step off the edge he has elite closing speed to get to the quarterback in a hurry. Playing as a 3-4 outside linebacker would play to his strengths as he can rush from the 7 or even 9 techniques and use his speed to create pressure rather than getting tight into the linemen’s chest. On film he was used in coverage as well and he showed good coverage ability with his speed and fluidity down the field to keep up with tight ends and running backs.

Run Game

In the run game, Turner again plays his best when he can play further off the ball rather than on the line of scrimmage. He does a sufficient job at setting the edge with his length and firm base but he struggles getting off blocks, especially on zone runs where linemen are blocking downhill and getting him on his heels. When he has time to set his base and get eyes on the ball-carrier he uses his elite explosiveness to chase down plays and make big tackles on the outside. He is a very good run and chase linebacker and when he has space to work with, he flies to the football and can consistently make plays on the edge.

Last Word

Turner projects best as a 3-4 outside linebacker where he can better utilize his length and athleticism to make plays against the run as well as use his quick first step and explosiveness off the edge to get to the quarterback. Playing as a 3-4 linebacker will allow him to be used more often in coverage as well where he can man up against tight ends and bigger running backs. His explosiveness makes him a big playmaker, especially on 3rd downs, and he has the flexibility to be used all over the line of scrimmage on obvious passing situations. He has excellent physical tools and if used correctly, he can be a very good playmaker early in his career.

One-Liner: Dallas Turner is an explosive outside linebacker who plays his best ball when he is out in space and can utilize his length and speed to get to the quarterback and chase down run plays.

Grade: 6.7 (Solid Starter on All 3 Downs)

Games Watched: 2023 - Georgia, Ole Miss, LSU

Team Fits: Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks