JUST IN:”Minnesota Vikings’ Will Anderson Jr.’s admiration for his former Alabama teammate Dallas Turner…Read more
Vikings’ Will Anderson Jr. Raves About Former Alabama Teammate Dallas Turner
Although quarterback J.J. McCarthy was the highlight of the Minnesota Vikings’ 2024 draft class, linebacker Dallas Turner from Alabama is already garnering attention within the NFL. The Vikings traded up from the 23rd to the 17th pick to select Turner, marking one of the most noteworthy first-round moves this year. Reflecting on their time together at Alabama, Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. praised Turner in The Athletic, calling him “one of a kind” and highlighting his agility and explosiveness. Anderson emphasized that while Turner was highly decorated at Alabama, earning freshman All-SEC, first-team AP All-American, and first-team All-SEC honors, he will need to refine his technique to excel in the NFL.
“In college, you can overpower and outpace opponents,” Anderson said. “In the NFL, it’s about technique. Tackles are more skilled, not necessarily more physical, but technically superior.”
As Anderson himself won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after transitioning from Alabama, his belief in Turner’s potential is promising. The question remains whether Turner will have a similar immediate impact or need more time to adjust to the professional level.
Alabama’s staff consistently praised Turner with similar descriptions, with three different people using the term “freak” or variations of it. David Ballou, the Crimson Tide’s director of sports performance, described him as “freakish.” Ken Whisenhunt, who served as special assistant to head coach Nick Saban in 2023, said Turner is a “freak” in terms of size, strength, and speed. Coleman Hutzler, the outside linebackers coach, also labeled him a “freaky athlete.”
The consensus among qualified individuals about Turner’s athletic prowess suggests its accuracy. However, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted that while Turner’s athleticism is impressive, his skills are not as polished as Will Anderson’s were last season. Zierlein described Turner as “long and athletic with the explosive traits needed to become an impactful NFL pass rusher,” but emphasized that Turner needs to refine his technique and game to match Anderson’s level at the time he left Alabama.
Given Turner’s physical capabilities, he has the potential to become a perennial Pro Bowler if he stays healthy. However, expecting him to perform like a prime Nick Bosa immediately may be unrealistic. It might take until his third year for Turner to become a major difference-maker.
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