Alabama DE Dallas Turner: Atlanta Falcons Draft Target?

The top edge rusher in the draft could be the answer to the Atlanta Falcons' defensive woes.

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates after a / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

After investing so much into their offense during free agency, the Atlanta Falcons may be wise to invest in their defense during the draft later this month.

Atlanta's defense improved considerably last season, but still wasn't one of the league's best. Free agency has done a number on that defense, as key contributors like Calaias Campbell and Bud Dupree, who tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks each, remain unsigned. Meanwhile, the Falcons have made exactly zero outside additions to their defense, putting pressure on them to add through the draft.

Given the Falcons lost their top two sack artists this offseason, getting a player who can get after the quarterback would be ideal. Fortunately for them, arguably the best edge rusher in the draft in Alabama's Dallas Turner could be right there for the taking at No. 8 overall. In fact, The Athletic believes that Turner is one of the top options for Atlanta in the first round.

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates after a / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

"Turner probably is the only pass rusher who is a candidate to be taken in the top 10, and he’ll be very attractive to Atlanta," The Athletic writes. "At 6-4, 242 pounds, he’s an ideal fit at outside linebacker in the Falcons’ new 3-4 system. He led the SEC with 10 sacks last season and had 22 1/2 in a three-year college career."

A five-star recruit out of high school, Turner was essentially destined to be a star as soon as he stepped foot on Alabama's campus. He certainly lived up to the hype, as he's been a consistent force on the mighty Crimson Tide defense throughout his three collegiate seasons. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native is coming up his best season in 2023, as he recorded 14.5 sacks to earn SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American honors.

With his outstanding production and great set of intangibles, Turner is widely-considered to be the top pass rusher and defensive player in this entire class. He is also a very common pick for the Falcons in mock drafts, so this feels like a match made in heaven.