Vikings trade up to select pass-rusher with elite upside

With the pick, Minnesota has drafted Alabama edge-rusher Dallas Turner. The prospect was considered one of the top edge-rushers in this year’s draft, leading to some speculation that he could be the first defensive player off the board. In a normal year, that would warrant a top-10 pick, but considering this year’s unprecedented run on offensive players, Turner was the 17th player off the board Thursday night.

The 2023 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Turner posted a career-high 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss last season. Those figures helped earn him All-American acclaim as he took over from Will Anderson as the Crimson Tide’s lead edge-rusher.

The Vikings will be eyeing a bit of a transitional season in 2024. After landing their Kirk Cousins replacement in QB J.J. McCarthy earlier in the first round, the team has now added a potential defensive stalwart in Turner.

The edge rusher will likely profile as more of a linebacker in Brian Flores‘ 3-4 defense. The organization has brought in a number of players at the position this offseason, including Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman, so the rookie might not immediately slide atop the depth chart. Turner’s versatility could also lead to some snaps on the defensive line, where he’d be competing with the likes of Jonathan Bullard and offseason addition Jonah Williams.