Joel Klatt claims Dallas Turner could have a higher NFL ceiling than Will Anderson

Joel Klatt just put Dallas Turner in prestigious company. On Monday, the FOX Sports analyst claimed the Alabama outside linebacker could have a higher ceiling in the big leagues than fellow Alabama alum and 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson.

“Dallas might have a higher ceiling than Will Anderson,” Klatt said. “I’m not saying he’s definitely gonna get there. But, the attributes suggest that he’s got a higher ceiling. He’s not as consistent and he’s not as polished as what Will Anderson was.

“Will Anderson is an alpha. He’s a terrific player. That’s why he is the NFL rookie Defensive Player of the Year. As far as just a ceiling, Turner’s might be even a little bit higher.”

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. listed Turner as the No. 9 overall prospect in his latest NFL draft rankings. For reference, Anderson was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. When comparing the pair’s statistics at Alabama, there are certainly similarities.

In the 2023 regular season, Turner amassed 50 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 9.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, a pass breakup and 13 quarterback hurries. Meanwhile, Anderson amassed 51 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two passes defended and an interception in his final season with the Crimson Tide.

Dallas Turner is a physical specimen

Looking past the stat sheet, Turner boasts even better physical attributes than Anderson did when entering the NFL Draft. Turner ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash with a 1.54-second 10-yard spit compared to Anderson’s respective times of 4.6 seconds and 1.61 seconds.

Klatt has high expectations for Alabama’s latest linebacker product.

“If he plays exactly like he did at Alabama once he gets to the National Football League, he’s going to run into some fine issues because he arrives at the quarterback in angry fashion,” Klatt said. “He’s a great defender. He’s a dynamic athlete.

“He’s 6-foot-4, 247 pounds and ran a 4.46 in the 40. That hurts my head. What are we doing? There are guys that can do that? That’s absurd.”

Fans won’t have to wait much longer to see which team is lucky enough to land Turner. The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.