One Guy Is Stealing All the Hype in Vikings Training Camp
The Vikings were viewed as winners of the 2024 draft after landing not only the new franchise quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but also defender Dallas Turner, who dropped a few slots in the event. Projected top-ten selection Turner went to the Vikings at 17, despite most mock drafts sending the Alabama talent to Atlanta 8th overall.
McCarthy’s rookie season was lost due to an injury, but Turner played. Because of the intense competition, however, he was unable to meet the expectations. In year two, his teammates and coaches expect big things.
There’s Some Serious Dallas Turner Buzz in Vikings Camp
The Vikings can’t stop raving about the man. He’s almost a forgotten player because so much attention is being paid to sophomore passer McCarthy for obvious reasons. It’s a quarterback-driven league, and his development will determine how far the Vikings will go in 2025 and beyond.
Turner, meanwhile, is still sharing a position with Pro Bowlers Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, so he still won’t be a full-time starter, regardless of how often defensive coordinator Brian Flores calls him a de facto starter.
Yet, the comments of his coaching staff and teammates are just as promising and exciting as the notes from the local media.
Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press has watched Turner in action at training camp, and he wrote: “The results couldn’t be more clear with a simple look at Turner with training camp in full swing at TCO Performance Center. The muscle he has put on is noticeable — especially in his lower half — and he has managed to do it without sacrificing any of his explosiveness.”
Turner entered the league as a physical freak. His 40-yard time in the 4.4s, despite his weight being north of 240 lbs, is noteworthy, and he undoubtedly put his explosiveness on display in his rookie season. This offseason, the goal was to gain weight and strength without sacrificing speed, and early reports are fairly positive.
Flores commented on the transformation: “He took it upon himself to get bigger, stronger and faster, to put himself in the best position to come out here and compete. He’s done a really nice job. We’ve got a long way to go in training camp, but he’s had a good start.”
Play strength was a point of emphasis for the versatile edge defender. Most players enter the league and need a year or two to adjust to the NFL’s high level of physical strength, and Turner was no exception.
Kevin O’Connell shared the sentiment that the youngster gained some strength: “He came back from the jump, in the offseason program, just his body, the shape he was in, just looks so strong. I think he’s gained a lot of strength, I think he’s gained a lot of understanding of the role.”
He has worked with teammate Greenard this offseason. Turner expressed this week: “Right after the season… [Greenard and I] were hitting it strong in the weight room, watching film, picking each other’s brain. He has a lot of knowledge.”
The sophomore’s role is expected to grow in year two following the departure of Patrick Jones without any big-time additions. Furthermore, he has gained a year of experience, and his body is in a better place than it was a year ago.
In April, Greenard declared: “He was still here as soon as the season ended, in the weight room with me, working out. He hardly [took any] time off, even though I told him, this is the only time after your rookie year you’re going to be able to have a break, downtime, ’cause the season never stops. It’s just great to see him absorb all this information, retain it really well, and obviously, just put it to use.”
Obviously, he’s the guy to ask about the young defender, considering he has taken him under his wings.
At training camp, he said exactly what Flores said: “He’s gotten bigger, stronger, faster, he looks way different than last year. His mindset, he’s locked in, he’s receiving coaching a lot better. I’m just ready to see what he can do. I worked with him all offseason and to see it translate out on the field, I’m excited to see what he can do.”
Looks like it’s fair to assume Turner got, well, bigger, stronger, and faster.
Turner finished his rookie season with 300 defensive snaps and 226 on special teams, playing in 16 games. He skipped one contest with a minor knee injury. The first-rounder registered an interception and three sacks along with 20 tackles and a handful of quarterback hits.
While he has already been linked with the vicious bust word, it’s important to remember that Turner was 21 at the time of his draft, and he won’t turn 23 until February of next year. He needs time to develop, but the early reports suggest a major jump is imminent.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.