Vikings Rookie Is Hitting His Stride

The Minnesota Vikings are rolling into the NFC playoffs with a 14-2 record. One more win, and they clinch the NFC North and the top seed in their conference in a shocking turnaround from last season’s 7-10 record. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores have delivered perhaps the best coaching job the league has seen in years, which should land O’Connell the Coach of the Year trophy and Flores some head coaching looks.

Vikings Rookie Is Hitting His Stride

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah overhauled the roster in the offseason, addressing some positions of need in free agency and the draft. When four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter exited the building to enter free agency for the first time in his career, the executive added Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard for immediate help on the edges, and in the draft, he doubled down, maneuvering the board by trading up a few of spots to secure Alabama’s talented defender Dallas Turner.

The pass rusher had a productive journey under Nick Saban and wanted to replicate that success early in his NFL career. However, Van Ginkel and Greenard blocked the starting lineup, and fellow reserve Patrick Jones has been enjoying his breakout campaign.

Right when folks started to question whether the Vikings picked the right guy in the draft, especially because Jared Verse has been exceptional for the Los Angeles Rams, Turner has started to make an impact.

In Week 14, Turner delivered a huge hit on former Viking Kirk Cousins, changing the momentum in that game. A week later, against the Chicago Bears, Turner recorded his second sack of the season, and in Week 16, it was Turner who picked off opposing passer Geno Smith. When the Packers visited the Vikings, seeking revenge for the early-season triumph in Lambeau Field, it was Turner who sacked Jordan Love.

Throughout the season, Turner has collected 19 tackles, three sacks, and one interception. His weekly snap numbers consistently rose in December, and his snap count is up to 275 plays on defense. The coaching staff is beginning to trust him more, and his elite athleticism is showing. His closing speed is otherworldly elite.

In October, head coach O’Connell was asked about his young defender. He raved about him and promised more snaps.

“I think each game is its own, and as far as the total snap counts and things like that, I think it’ll keep progressing for Dallas. He’s doing everything from the standpoint of his preparation and growth on a daily basis that we’re asking of him. And I think you’ll see more and more of Dallas, and I’m very, very excited about having him as part of our team, and that’ll be something that, over the next ten-plus games, I think he’s going to make a big-time impact for us.”

Indeed, he has made that impact. After the 2024 season, Patrick Jones is set to enter free agency at the end of his rookie contract, which would leave a top trio of Van Ginkel, Greenard, and Turner. Rotation on the defense line is essential to keep the players fresh, and occasionally, coordinators send three edge rushers after the quarterback.

Turner’s future is bright, and his role continues to grow. He’s still only 21 years old and an exciting player to watch in the near future.

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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who was drawn to the sport by Adrian Peterson’s excellence. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and has an affinity for Classic rock. His active Twitter page can be found here. His work can be found on PurplePTSD, VikingsTerritory, and DraftHuddle.