Most likely, Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner won't be available when the Detroit Lions pick at No. 29 overall. Even if he is, SI.com’s All Lions’ Christian Booher argued that the Lions should still not pick Turner. Booher mentioned
that the All-American Alabama edge rusher is one of five players the Lions should steer clear of in the 2024 NFL draft. “He improved a lot as a pass-rusher last season, getting 55 pressures and 10 sacks,”
“Turner Booher stated . “He ended his three seasons at Alabama with 22.5 total sacks, indicating that he’ll be a reliable player at the pro level.“However, Turner didn't demonstrate much progress in his run defense. His Pro Football Focus run defense grade was 69.8, the lowest of his three-year career.
“The Lions need
who excel in run defense, and Turner’s performance didn’t show that. There are many early pass rushers available, so Detroit can be careful and choose their preferred fit.” players Advising against picking Turner in the upcoming draft will be surprising to most. The consensus draft rankings from
Pro Football Focus ESPN, Bleacher Report and all have Turner ranked as one of the top two edge rushers in the 2024 draft class. All three draft boards also have Turner rated as a top 16 prospect overall.
Besides 10 sacks,
Turner registered 14.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 1 pass defense last season. In three years at Alabama, he had 22.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss over 38 games. Issues With Alabama Edge Rusher Dallas Turner
Draft experts from PFF and Bleacher Report admitted that Turner isn’t a complete player, especially in run defense. BR’s Matt Holder argued Turner could use more strength for run defense.
“He is a little light and could benefit from adding more strength to hold up against tougher competition in the NFL,”
Holder wrote . “That will also help him shed blocks more consistently.”But Turner is very athletic, especially when rushing the passer. Even if it takes him time to develop, Turner is likely to be a top 10 pick in 2024 because of 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.”It’s very unlikely Turner will still be available at the No. 29 overall pick. If he is, then his run defense or need for more development will likely be the reasons for the drop on the board.
At No. 29, however, Turner could offer great value that's difficult to pass up.
Why the Lions Could Use an Edge Rusher in the First Round
If the Lions target an edge rusher in the first round, they would obviously prefer to land one strong in all areas. But rushing the passer is Detroit’s biggest need in the front seven.
The Lions were second
in run defense but 23rd in sacks last season. Aidan Hutchinson Alim McNeill and had more than 3 sacks in 2023, along with the Lions' defense. If Turner focuses on rushing the passer in his first year, it could make it easier for Hutchinson and McNeill as they may face fewer double-team blocks.
It's also possible that Turner could improve his ability to block the run by increasing the strength of his upper body.
Zierlein mentioned that Turner put on 20 pounds during his time at Alabama. The Lions probably have not ruled out the option of selecting Turner as Booher suggested. However, they could also find a strong edge rusher in the 2024 class without choosing Turner. Other potential first-round edge rusher targets include Laiatu Latu and Jared Verse.
Furthermore, it's unlikely that Turner will be available at No. 29. SI.com’s All Lions’ Christian Booher suggested that the Detroit Lions should steer clear of drafting Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner. first-round targets as well.
And again, Turner is not likely to be available at No. 29 anyway.
