NFL Mock Draft: Dallas Turner Heavy Favorite for Atlanta Falcons?

The Atlanta Falcons have a real opportunity to draft the best overall defender in this year's draft. Will that prospect be Alabama's Dallas Turner?

There’s a very strong possibility for the Atlanta Falcons to select the best defensive player on their board once the get on the clock at No. 8 overall.

The 2024 NFL Draft, in terms of unknown up top, includes the Falcons. Will Atlanta add another piece on offense to an already loaded group, or instead address their defensive woes?

In this latest mock draft released by Pro Football Focus, Atlanta drafts the first defender up top adding a potential game-changing pass rusher. Would Alabama’s Dallas Turner be the missing element desperately needed for Atlanta?

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner (LB26) works out during the

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“A record seven offensive players were taken to start the 2021 NFL Draft. There’s a good chance that the 2024 group could tie that mark, as it does in this mock,” PFF wrote. “Turner has a high ceiling as a pass rusher, something the Falcons have been sorely lacking. Atlanta has ranked outside the top 25 teams in pass-rushing grade in each of the past three seasons.”

Last season for the Crimson Tide, Turner produced 10 sacks in 14 games taking a serious step forward during his junior campaign.

What stands out most with Turner’s draft profile is the freakish length and athleticism on display for someone standing 6’2”, 247 pounds: 83” wingspan (88th percentile), 34 3/8” arms (80th percentile); 4.46 40-yard dash (98th percentile), 40 1/2” vertical jump (97th percentile), 127” broad jump (92nd percentile).

Could you imagine if Turner hits his ceiling for the Falcons, if selected at No. 8 overall? A prospect with this type of production and traits not often presents itself for Atlanta. That’s why Turner continues to be a heavy favorite for draft pundits to end up in Atlanta within the next few weeks.