Dallas Turner was projected as a top 10 NFL Draft pick, but he fell to No. 17 overall.
His drop to the Minnesota Vikings fuels him to prove those who passed on him wrong.
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Turner joins a talented defense for the Vikings, but the South Florida native has a chance to do something his former Alabama teammate did as a rookie. Will Anderson Jr., a Crimson Tide alumnus, shared the outside linebacker room with Turner in 2021 and 2022. Both pushed each other to be at their best, and Anderson got selected at No. 3 overall of the 2023 draft by the Houston Texans.
Anderson, a native Georgian, made the Pro Bowl, earned a spot on Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team, and won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Turner has the best odds — per several betting sites — to capture NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
According to Sports Book Review, Turner is the leader for Draft Kings, Fan Duel, Bet MGM, Caesars, and bet 365.
Turner is ready to chase Jordan Love (Packers), Caleb Williams (Bears), and Jared Goff (Lions) around on the field.
He finished last season with 53 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss (team-high), 10 sacks (team high), 13 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and a pass breakup. Turner helped the Tide to two Southeastern Conference Championships in 2021 and 2023.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
