Inside The Vikings

ESPN Analyst Says Vikings Made His Favorite Pick in the Entire Draft

The Vikings may have landed a steal by trading up for Dallas Turner in the first round.
Will Ragatz|
Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner poses after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings
Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner poses after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings trading up to select Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner with the 17th overall pick in this year's draft came at a steep cost, but it may have landed them a steal. Turner, who was widely projected to be a top-ten pick, has elite upside due to his physical tools and arsenal of pass rush moves. ESPN's Jordan Reid recently named it as his favorite pick in the entire draft.

"Minnesota hasn't drafted an edge rusher in the first two rounds since 2005 (Erasmus James). The team needed to replenish its talent off of the edge after losing Danielle Hunter in free agency. While the team signed Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel during free agency, Turner provides a high upside as a pass-rusher in Brian Flores' defense. Turner led Alabama with 10 sacks and 45 pressures last season."

In the same panel discussion-style piece, Reid — and former GM Mike Tannenbaum — chose Turner as their early pick to win defensive rookie of the year. Turner has opened as the betting favorite for that award.

"Playing in Brian Flores' defense, Turner is a perfect match, as he will likely be used at multiple spots. His first-step burst and continued expansion of his array of pass-rush moves set him up for early success. Expect Turner to be moved around quite a bit and receive many opportunities to make plays in multiple ways."

The Vikings have very high hopes for Turner, which is why they were comfortable giving up a haul of several picks to go up six spots and get him. They believe the 21-year-old former SEC star can be a difference-maker in their defense for many years to come. In a post-draft interview, Flores compared him to former Patriots standout and two-time Pro Bowler Dont'a Hightower.

During his rookie season, Turner's versatility should come in handy in Brian Flores' scheme, as he can line up at different spots and play alongside players like Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Ivan Pace Jr., and Blake Cashman in the Vikings' front. This is a defense with a bunch of exciting weapons who can get after the quarterback.

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Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

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