Vikings Rookie Lands on the Naughty List
The Minnesota Vikings have a history of exciting rookie seasons, including the still active rookie record for the most receiving touchdowns (17) set by Randy Moss in 1998. Adrian Peterson set the all-time record for rushing yards in a single game against the Chargers in 2007 with 296. The most recent example was Justin Jefferson’s (since broken) record of 1,400 yards in the 2020 campaign.
Vikings Rookie Lands on the Naughty List
In 2024, however, the rookie class hasn’t had that much success, although GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah left the draft in April with not just one but two exciting prospects in the first round. Unfortunately, J.J. McCarthy has been on IR since August with his torn meniscus, and he will not make his NFL debut until next year.
Dallas Turner, meanwhile, has been healthy outside of a brief absence with a minor knee injury. Regardless, his impact has been limited, in part because Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard are simply too good to sit on the bench for extended periods, and backup Patrick Jones has balled out, too.
Alex Ballentine from Bleacher Report compiled a list of six rookies who need to finish their season strong after disappointing starts, and Turner was named.
Turner, who was lauded for his ability as a blitzer at Alabama, seemed to be a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ blitz-happy scheme in Minnesota.
Instead, he’s proved to be a bit more of a work-in-progress. He has struggled to get on the field with players like Patrick Jones II playing well in Flores’ system. Ultimately, he’s only had 95 pass-rushing snaps and generated just seven total pressures with one sack, per Sports Info Solutions.
It’s best to practice some patience with Turner, though. It’s easy to forget he is still only 21 years old and picking up a system like Flores’ isn’t always simple.
Turner had a productive career at Alabama, recording 22.5 sacks in a three-year span, including ten sacks in the 2023 season. His physical tools are impressive, and he’s occasionally showing his explosiveness when he’s closing distance at lightning speed.
Ballentine continued: “The good news for the No. 17 overall pick is that he should have the chance to show some progress over the next few weeks. He has seen an uptick in his usage over the last two weeks with Jones out, and he’s starting to feel more comfortable.”
So far, he has played in 12 of the team’s 13 games, playing a total of 202 defensive snaps and 170 on special teams. He has registered one sack and 12 tackles. His snap count increased drastically when Jones was forced to sit out against the Falcons and Van Ginkel was banged up. Turner actually played a decent game as Van Ginkel’s primary backup and versatile defender, who the coaches used in countless ways.
After the game, Turner told Andrew Krammer from the Star Tribune: “Man, I’m just getting started, I’m starting to get it. With the great group of leaders we have and the great group of coaches, I feel like the game is starting to slow down for me as a rookie at this point in the season. Honestly, just embracing my role on the team and being the best teammate possible. And we’re winning, so why be mad?”
Turner possesses an exciting skillset, and he has shown flashes in his limited opportunities. It is also imperative to remember that he is 21 years old, and it takes time to make the transition from college to the next level, especially in the trenches.
Having a solid rotation on the edges is crucial to keep the top guys at their best when it’s needed by giving them a short break every now and then. Patience is required. Not every rookie is Peterson, Moss, or Jefferson.
At some point in the future, Turner will get more reps, and he surely has the talent to be a difference-maker down the line. His next opportunity will come on Monday against the Chicago Bears.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Sports Reference CFB helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt