Dallas Turner takes massive step toward becoming a Chicago Bear at NFL Combine

The NFL Combine can do wonders for a draft prospect's final grade. While it's only a small slice of a player's overall scouting report, a monster performance in the 40-yard dash, broad and vertical jumps, agility tests, and on-field drills can push a mid-first-round pick into the top 10.

And that's what happened for Alabama edger rusher Dallas Turner.

The Chicago Bears are in the market for a tag-team pass-rushing partner for Montez Sweat, and there have been whispers that GM Ryan Poles will use the ninth pick in the first round on the top edge defender in the 2024 NFL Draft. After Thursday's NFL Combine workout, that guy might be Turner.

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Dallas Turner finally had his time to shine during the 2023 season. Gone was Will Anderson Jr. (the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year), and it allowed Turner to show off his pass-rush chops. The 6'3", 247-pounder with 34 3/8" arms finished last season with 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss.

Laiatu Latu was my top edge rusher at the start of the 2024 NFL Combine, but it's hard to ignore the physical makeup, athleticism, and production of Dallas Turner. The Chicago Bears could break the run of offensive prospects in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Turner at No. 9 overall, which, at this point, is beginning to feel like the most likely outcome.