Rookie Profile: Dallas Turner, Edge, Minnesota Vikings
Welcome to the Rookie Profile for Dallas Turner, an edge rusher out of Alabama. He is from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Turner was a five-star prospect coming out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
Dallas Turner committed to Alabama in July of 2020. At that time he was ranked as the top-ranked edge rusher on 247sports.
Alabama has been known to recruit some heavy hitters on defence. Turner is no different. In his freshman year, he brought in 8.5 sacks. This was second to now Houston Texans linebacker, Will Anderson Jr. This allowed him to receive Freshman All-American honors. Plus, he was selected to the All-SEC Freshman Team.
In his sophomore year, his role would increase for the Crimson Tide. He brought in 10 more total pressures (35) than his freshman year. Plus, he increased his total tackles (37) by 7 more than his freshman year. Turner also brought in 4 sacks.
He helped lead the Crimson Tide to an SEC championship in his junior season. He led the team with 10 total sacks. This includes one sack in the first round of the College Football Playoffs against the Michigan Wolverines.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 1 Pick 17
- During the pre-draft process many, including myself, expected the Alabama edge rusher to be the first defensive player off the board. The Atlanta Falcons desperately needed help on the edge and had the 8th overall pick. That pick was mocked to be Dallas Turner. Instead, the Falcons chose to pick a potential franchise quarterback of the future. This along with 8 other picks before pick 17 allowed Dallas Turner to fall to the Minnesota Vikings. Turner is worthy of his first-round capital. Many had him as the top-edged rusher in the class. If he is the top edge rusher then it is possible the Minnesota Vikings got the steal in the first round.
Landing Spot- Minnesota Vikings
- The Minnesota Vikings lost veteran pass-rusher Danielle Hunter in free agency this off-season. This created a glaring hole on the outside of their front seven. They did sign veteran Jonathan Greenard to help fill some of that void. But now after the drafting of Dallas Turner that hole should no longer be an issue. The two will play opposite of each other in a 4-3 defense causing havoc for offensive tackles. Turner brings the boom the Vikings want to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He will be an immediate impact for the team on day one.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Rotational Defensive Lineman
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
Unlike some of the other defensive players in this draft, Turner finds himself with the opportunity to start right away. He can make a significant impact the moment he steps on the field. Last season we saw Danielle Hunter have 83 total tackles with 16.5 sacks. Now I do not expect Turner to have that same stat line his rookie season. However, he is that caliber of player that could easily acquire 10 or more sacks in years to come. Turner should be one of the first IDP players off your draft board. Even if his rookie season is minimal. He could easily gain 30 total tackles with 5-7 sacks in his rookie season.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
