Dallas Turner Selected No. 17 Overall By Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings traded up from No. 23 overall to No. 17 overall with the Jacksonville Jaguars to secure Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner.
“Listen, Dallas Turner is a guy who, quite frankly, we didn’t expect to be there in that range,” coach Kevin O’Connell said of being able to move up for Turner. “We were just as excited and relieved (as when we selected McCarthy) to be able to call Dallas and make him a Minnesota Viking.”
To acquire Turner, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded the team’s No. 23 overall pick, two 2024 fifth round picks along with their 2025 third and 2025 fourth round pick in return for the No. 17 overall pick.
Turner, 21, was arguably the top edge rusher in this year’s draft. He played in 42 games, with 27 starts in three seasons under Nick Saban at Alabama. He finished his career with 23.5 sacks with 33.5 tackles for loss.
Adofo-Mensah's analytical approach likely influenced Turner's high ranking on the board. Pro Football Focus reports that Turner boasted an impressive pass rush grade of 89.3, coupled with a pass rush win rate of 19.6%. These grades are considered elite in their respective categories.
Turner is poised to be a key addition to the defense, a player that defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be eager to utilize. He is expected to make an instant impact this upcoming season, playing alongside Jonathon Greenard on the edge.
"They said make sure I'm ready to rush the passer when I get off the plane, so I guess that's very key with how they're going to use me," Turner said during a conference call with Twin Cities media members Thursday night.
Turner became acquainted with Flores' defensive schemes during the latter's tenure as head coach of the Dolphins.
"I liked what I saw, especially from the pass rushers with Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and [Andrew] Van Ginkel," Turner said of Flores’ track record. "It was a very good thing to watch coach Flores coach those dudes."
What's intriguing is Turner will now join forces with Van Ginkel, who signed with the Vikings this offseason. Alongside Turner will be Greenard, while linebackers Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. will anchor the middle. Together, they form the team's defensive core, skilled in both rushing the passer and covering the middle of the field.
After coming away with both Turner and Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy, the team didn't make another draft pick until the fourth round. Nonetheless, they are more than satisfied with their first-round choices, as they are among the youngest prospects in the draft, with Turner expected to start from day one.
