The Minnesota Vikings spent two first-round picks on players they believed to be the future of their franchise in the 2024 NFL Draft. One was quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has shown he can be the team’s franchise quarterback after a come-from-behind victory in Week 1. The other was edge rusher Dallas Turner, who did not get to play many meaningful snaps in 2024, but is getting a chance to do so in 2025.
With star edge rusher and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel out against the Atlanta Falcons, Turner was put into his role. So far through the first half, he has stepped up to the plate and delivered.
He has been generating pressures, dropping back in coverage, and even got to his fellow 2024 draft mate Michael Penix Jr., for a sack.
Turner has a chance to keep playing meaningful snaps under the critical eye of Brian Flores. The veteran coordinator has never given snaps away, especially to rookies, unless they earn them. It seems after a rookie season and training camp, Turner has earned Flores’ trust, and thus far, he has capitalized on it.
He will have more snaps to do just that and more for the Vikings as the weeks go on.
