Jim Nagy details what makes Dallas Turner a special prospect

No matter how Alabama‘s season ends, Dallas Turner is likely heading to the NFL. Turner will likely be a first-round pick and has a chance to be one of the first EDGE rushers taken off the board. He would become just the latest stud from Tuscaloosa to have the honor and certainly ranks near the top.

Senior Bowl EVP Jim Nagy explained what makes Turner such a special prospect, citing his athleticism. During the last NFL Draft cycle, everyone was attempting to get a good look at Will Anderson but Turner was there impressing scouts just as much.

“I would say the athlete,” Nagy said during Thursday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “When you’re doing Will Anderson for last year’s draft, you kept seeing 15 on the other side. It was just the get-off, the bend… Athletically, some of the movement stuff, some of the counter stuff that he’s going to be capable of — Dallas Turner is just a really high-end athlete.”

When athleticism is a big trait for a player, it usually means the NFL Combine is going to be fun. If Turner winds up participating in the event, he could blow coaches, scouts, and general managers away with some of his numbers. Nagy clearly thinks his ability is that good.

The stat sheet will certainly help his case out too. Turner has career highs across the board, producing 50 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, and nine sacks. SEC offensive tackles have not been able to contain him, getting in the backfield in all but two conference games.

In the latest mock draft from CBS Sports, Turner was projected to be selected No. 8 overall by the Chicago Bears. While the exact draft order still has two weeks to be determined, being mocked inside the top 10 this time of year is a good sign.

But before thinking about the NFL, Turner wants to finish his season with Alabama on a positive note. He does not have a national championship on his resume quite yet, coming up short during the 2021 season against Georgia. Turner has been on a mission since the offseason to get a ring during what should be his final year of college football.

Monday against Michigan in the Rose Bowl will be another opportunity for Turner to show off in front of NFL front offices. Performing on the biggest stage — the Granddaddy of Them All — usually helps your draft stock out too.