Mel Kiper Jr. explains Dallas Turner's fit with Atlanta Falcons
Mel Kiper Jr. believes Dallas Turner is destined to play for the Atlanta Falcons this fall. The ESPN NFL Draft analyst released his fourth mock draft of the year and has the Falcons selecting the former Alabama pass rusher at No. 8 overall. And on SportsCenter Special: Mel Kiper’s NFL Mock Draft 4.0, Kiper explained why Turner is an ideal fit for the Falcons.
“They need a pass rusher in Atlanta,” Kiper said. “Dallas Turner, you could argue best defensive player in this draft. He’s got great bend off the edge, tremendous athlete, great physical talent. If he develops that counter move, that secondary move, you will expect 10-15, 10-12 sacks every year.
“Anything less than that would be a disappointment when you take Dallas Turner with that eighth pick overall.”
In Kiper’s mock draft, he said Turner is the “most well-rounded edge rusher in this class.” Kiper also said the Falcons’ pass rush last year was “abysmal” and general manager Terry Fontenot “hasn’t done much to address the issues.”
As much as Kiper loves Turner, he admits that the former Alabama star needs to improve in one big area.
“Is there any little bust factor?” Kiper said. “The thing is he’s got to play the run a little bit better. He’s got to improve against the run. That’s the one area of concern. Sealing the edge, being able to handle your run responsibilities in the NFL is huge. Will Dallas Turner be able to pick up the pace in that area?”
Turner played in all 14 games from the Crimson Tide last year and earned first-team All-America honors from CBS Sports, The Athletic and USA Today. He finished the 2023 season with 53 tackles 15.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. In his career at Alabama, Turner notched 22.5 sacks.
The Falcons haven’t had a double-digit sack player since Vic Beasley tallied 15.5 sacks in 2016. Last year, the Falcons’ sack leaders were Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree as they each had 6.5.
After going 7-10 the last three seasons, the Falcons have made big changes during the offseason. The team fired head coach Authur Smith and hired Raheem Mooris who was on the Falcons’ coaching staff from 2015-2020. Atlanta also signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.