2024 Bears Draft Target: Dallas Turner |
Now that
Justin Fields has officially been traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, barring a miracle, Caleb Williams will be the Chicago Bears' no. 1 overall pick and the new quarterback. That will mark the beginning of a new era in Chicago, as they hope Williams can be the quarterback they are desperately searching for.
While the No. 1 overall selection appears to be set in stone, the Bears have another first-round pick to address, No. 9. Initially expected to take a WR with this pick, the Bears traded for Keenan Allen, thus making this pick an even bigger mystery. They could draft Joe Alt or another offensive lineman at this spot or even trade back to acquire additional assets. However, this team still has one glaring need they must address, and if the Bears were smart, they would use the No.9 pick to address that need. What that need is, you may ask? Well, it would be a better pass rush, as the Bears need to give Montez Sweat some protection this season. Knowing that, and knowing who could be available at No. 9, Dallas Turner is a serious option to consider, as he would make the perfect pairing with Sweat. When you think about defense winning championships, the University of Alabama always comes to mind. Nick Saban was known for having one of the top defenses in the game. Turner was a part of that defense the past three years, but it wasn't until Will Anderson was drafted in 2023 that Turner stole the spotlight and showed what he was all about. The former five-star recruit was a force alongside Anderson for two seasons, but it was the 2023 season that Turner emerged as one of the game's elite prospects. The 6-4, 242-pound Turner has good size and pairs that with incredible athleticism and quickness. This is a guy who had 12.5 sacks his first two seasons, with 8.5 of them coming his freshman season. Turner took off in his junior season and showed the NFL world the type of player he truly is. Across his 13 games in 2023, Turner set career highs in tackles (53), tackles for a loss (17), and sacks (10.5). He also added two forced fumbles and was a menace on the defensive end.
When you watch him on the field, his overall playmaking ability is incredible, but his speed stands out the most to scouts, as he was clocked at 4.46 for his 40. That isn't just elite speed; it has him faster than many WRs and RBs in this league, showing how difficult it is to get past him. Pair that with his first-step quickness off the line, and there aren't too many defenders who have a chance against him once he gets going.
Turner has a winning mentality, as he has a history of playing for winning programs dating back to his high school days. Adding players with a winning mentality is huge for a team like the Bears, who want to win now, as they will bring out the best in everyone else. Along with his elite speed, Turner has shown the strength to be a power rusher while also using his speed to his advantage. In other words, he can make plays in all three levels of the defense, which is a rarity in today's game.
When it comes to the things he needs to work on as a player, adding a bit more size (strength) is the biggest thing, as some of the bigger offensive linemen will give him problems. Although a terrific playmaker, there are times when he seems lazy or less urgent than you would expect. That can't happen in the NFL, as every play matters from one down to the next.
Although athletically gifted, especially in terms of his speed, Turner became too reliant on his speed and needed to be more creative when looking to get after the quarterback. Those are all things that can be corrected in the NFL, and he will be a massive steal for whoever drafts him this season. One NFC Executive had this to say about Turner.
“He’s such a talented athlete. One of the biggest mistakes people make is looking past athletic ability and focusing too much on technique or polish when they come out. Just look for ‘dudes’ and coach the rest of it.”
Anderson Jr. is a great player comparison for him, as is Brian Burns, who just signed a massive extension with the New York Giants. That shows you what the NFL world feels about Turner and the difference he could make.
IMO, #Bears have to take Dallas Turner at #9.
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@OfficialJAYCHI) March 21, 2024
Crazy good first-step off the snap, good vision, and overall elite athletic ability.
Offensive nightmare as he can get in the backfield or drop backs
Him + Sweat would be 😳 pic.twitter.com/vdbuc0EMxE
