STRENGTHS: Built with explosive muscle fibers throughout his long, athletic frame ... rushes with the get-off burst and body flexibility to dip/bend the corner ... shows a variety of moves, including a deadly ghost move ... above -average speed with an extra gear to close in pursuit or from the backside ... flashes strong, firm hands for aggressive stabs (his nickname at Alabama was “Stab Club Dal”) ... explosive at contact to work off blocks or drive blockers in to the lap of the quarterback ... sets a hard edge versus the run, using his length and explosive hands to nonchalantly shock and torque passive blockers from their spot ... skillfully sees through blockers, and strength makes him a magnet for offensive holding calls ... elite motor; his switch never turns off ... has the athleticism to comfortably drop into coverage ... voted a team captain in 2023, with Nick Saban saying Turner set a “high standard” with work ethic and care for doing the little things ... welcomes hard coaching and “wants to be pushed,” according to high school DC Jason Taylor ... set career bests in production in his third season.

WEAKNESSES: Average bulk and should continue growing into his frame ... needs to continue strengthening his lower body ... can do a better job setting up blockers to counter without thinking ... snap anticipation can be more consistent (three offsides penalties in 2023) ... aggressive nature can backfire and needs to be a better finisher in short areas (also had two personal fouls vs. LSU in 2023) ... had several quiet tapes as a pass rusher (three or fewer pressures in nine of 14 starts in 2023).

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Alabama, Turner played the SAM linebacker position in former coach Nick Saban’s hybrid 3-4 scheme, lining up in both a two- and three-point stance. He had a mentor-apprentice relationship with 2023 first-round pick Will Anderson Jr. (they’re also best friends) and filled his shoes admirably in 2023, earning consensus All-American honors with an SEC-best 11 sacks. As a pass rusher, Turner is quick off the ball to get underneath blocks or bury his hands into the chest of blockers to convert his speed to power. Despite lacking ideal bulk, he plays physically at the point of attack and is a strong run defender (aside from some missed tackles that need to be cleaned up) with an elite competitive motor.

Overall, Turner is a long, explosive edge rusher with the body twitch, hand usage and play strength to leverage blocks and be disruptive in multiple ways. He has the freaky tools to be a potential impact player in the NFL who should continue to improve as his body and rush attack mature.

GRADE: 1st Round (No. 14 overall)