2014 NFL Draft results: Billy Turner selected by Dolphins
The small-school tackle hopes to help rebuild Miami’s offensive line.
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins drafted offensive tackle Billy Turner with the 67th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Turner came in at No. 85 on SB Nation's top 200 big board and ninth among all offensive tackles, notably behind the likes of Ja'Wuan James and Jack Mewhort, and ahead of guys such as Brandon Thomas and James Hurst.
The 6’5, 315-pound Turner played his college football at North Dakota State. He was lightly recruited out of high school and didn’t land a single offer from an FBS team. Despite being unheralded, he stepped into the starting lineup as a freshman and went on to start 56 gamed during his college career. He has experience playing multiple spots along the line. He played right tackle during his freshman season before switching over to left tackle for his final three seasons. He didn’t allow a single quarterback sack during his senior season.
Turner received a number of accolades during his college career. He was named a consensus FCS All-American in 2012 and 2013. He was named the 2013 FCS Offensive Linemen of the Year. He was a key starter on three FCS National Championship winning teams.
Size is certainly not an issue; Turner has NFL-caliber size and length. He’s widely regarded as an athletic prospect with good feet, traits that should bode well as he makes the jump from FCS to the NFL. The biggest question among scouts and draft analysts appears to be technique, and he has received criticism for bending at the waist too often. With improved technique, however, Turner has the the physical makings of a NFL starter. Some project him to play right tackle while others think he’d be better suited at guard.
Combine results
Height: 6’5
Weight: 315 pounds
40-yard dash: 5.16 seconds
Bench press: 25 reps of 225 pounds
Vertical jump: 28 inches
Broad jump: 108 inches
20-yard shuttle: 4.71 seconds
3-cone drill: 7.92 seconds
Turner had a solid showing at the NFL Combine, and impressed in drills. He's a very athletic tackle, and his best asset is that he's light on his feet. He doesn't keep himself low enough on his blocking, however, which is something he'll need to work on at the next level.
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