(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings’ most significant first-round draft pick was Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, who was drafted to be the future signal-caller of the team.
But after taking McCarthy at No. 10 overall, the team drafted Alabama edge-rusher Dallas Turner with the No. 17 overall pick.
So far, Turner has been impressing this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Turner has “looked the part of an edge rusher, an all-field playmaker, that pre-draft evaluations suggested.”
Per @SeifertESPN, #Vikings 1st-round draft pick OLB Dallas Turner “has looked the part of an edge rusher, and all-field playmaker, that pre-draft evaluations suggested”
“The most notable moment came in a practice that was closed to reporters but was recounted by LT Christian… pic.twitter.com/KaWCykBLXE
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 18, 2024
The former All-American, according to his teammate in left tackle Christian Darrisaw, also put a spin move on another offensive lineman in practice that made his teammates think it was quicker than former Vikings Pro Bowl edge-rusher Danielle Hunter.
The former SEC Defensive Player of the Year will be tasked with trying to carry some of the pass-rush load on the defensive line.
Minnesota did sign former Texans edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard in free agency after he put together 12.5 sacks a season ago, but they lost Hunter to Houston.
So, the duo of Turner and Greenard could form a nice duo for head coach Kevin O’Connell.
They added veteran linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, and they still have Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith.
Turner should be the x-factor and have the opportunity to become a star.
There is no veteran starting ahead of him, and he has no current restrictions.
If he brings the fire that he did while at Alabama, this Vikings defense could greatly benefit from it.
The post Vikings Draft Pick Is Reportedly Impressing So Far This Offseason appeared first on The Cold Wire.