Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner is the popular consensus to be the first pass rusher selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Comb through Turner's tape and it's easy to understand why. Turner possesses every physical tool required to develop into a consistently impactful edge rusher at the next level.
Turner utilizes first-step explosiveness to threaten the outside shoulder of opposing tackles on a snap-by-snap basis. Tackles must respect Turner's speed. Natural athleticism is at the forefront of Turner's pass-rush arsenal.
The Crimson Tide standout recorded a career-high 10.0 sacks this season. Not only is Turner a premier edge defender, but the Fort Lauderdale, Florida native may be the first defensive player drafted. With that in mind, we've identified three potential fits for Turner.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Will the Falcons re-sign Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree this offseason? The two aging defenders combined to record 13 of Atlanta's 22nd-ranked 42 sacks this past campaign. There's a new head coach in place in Raheem Morris, a defensive-minded leader who will be installing a new scheme. Morris may not possess interest in bridge-type players nearing the end of their careers like Campbell and Dupree. Succession plans are required either way.
Arnold Ebiketie is beginning to flash promise, but other recent draft picks like Zach Harrison and DeAngelo Malone haven't developed into full-time players just yet. The Falcons could be the first team to select a defender with the eighth overall selection. Turner should rank highly on Terry Fontenot's big board.
CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears took a sizable step toward solving their long-lasting pass-rushing woes when they acquired Montez Sweat in a midseason trade with the Washington Commanders. Sweat quickly repaid Chicaho’s faith by recording 6.0 sacks in just nine appearances with the Bears, bringing his 2023 total to 12.5. The Bears signed Sweat to a four-year, $98 million extension, ensuring he'll remain in Chicago for the foreseeable future.
General manager Ryan Poles could deflect his attention to finding Sweat an appropriate running mate. DeMarcus Walker didn't meet expectations given his $7 million annual salary, and Yannick Ngakoue is scheduled to reach unrestricted free agency. The Bears are expected to use the No. 1 overall selection on quarterback Caleb Williams. That makes the ninth overall pick, one that could be used on another pass rusher, a luxury.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Will the Vikings re-sign or apply the franchise tag to Danielle Hunter this offseason? After a pair of down seasons by his standards, Hunter recaptured elite form in Brian Flores' aggressive defense by totaling a career-high 16.5 sacks. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should pay a premium to retain Hunter, but with a decision looming around quarterback Kirk Cousins, and a $30-million-per-year extension coming for Justin Jefferson, Hunter isn't guaranteed to return to Minnesota.
D.J. Wonnum and Marcus Davenport also played out the 2023 campaign on expiring contracts. If Hunter doesn't return, the Vikings have the least proven edge group in the league on paper. The cupboard requires restocking. Turner is a flexible and athletic pass rusher who would thrive under Flores' tutelage.
