Charger Report

Chargers News: Best Edge-Rusher In Draft Visiting Bolts

Will Los Angeles go for this Alabama product?
Dallas Turner
Dallas Turner | John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Could the Los Angeles Chargers be in the market for an elite pass rusher?

Dallas Turner out of Alabama is widely considered to be among the best defenders in this year's draft. Prepping for a true NFL draft pick football factor, Turner has been preparing for this moment since the day he stepped foot on campus in Tuscaloosa.

At this point, Turner is battling UCLA's Laiatu Latu to be the first defender off the board. Both are special when it comes to attacking opposing quarterbacks off the edge.

The Chargers have certainly taken notice of Turner's talents. Reporter Tom Pelissero mentioned that he will be visiting with the Chargers before the draft later this month.

Turner was fantastic last year as a junior for the Crimson Tide. He notched 10.0 sacks and 14.5 tackles-for-loss in 14 games. Turner was without a doubt the most feared defender in the SEC.

From a versatility standpoint, he's a true three-down player. Turner is best with his hand in the dirt and ears pinned back. However, he can also defend in space when asked to cover.

This is likely a situation where the Chargers are doing their due diligence on a very talented prospect. With Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack on the roster still, taking Turner would be more akin to a luxury rather than a necessity. There are more pressing needs, namely at wide receiver.

However, as the draft has proven time and time again, expect the unexpected. Jim Harbaugh and his player personnel staff could 'zig' toward Turner when everyone generally expects them to 'zag' toward an offensive player (whether a receiver or a tackle).


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Jason Fray
JASON FRAY

Jason Fray is a proud native of Los Angeles. After graduating from UCLA in 2011, he's written for a number of publications -- including Bleacher Report, FOX Sports, Saturday Down South, and New Arena. In his downtime, he enjoys writing scripts, going to shows, weekly pub trivia with the boys, trying the best hole-in-the-wall food spots around town, and traveling (22 countries & counting).