In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings had two first-round picks. With the 10th pick, Minnesota selected QB JJ McCarthy from Michigan. The Vikings then used the 17th pick to select OLB Dallas Turner from Alabama. Unfortunately, both 2024 first-round picks have provided little to no help to the Vikings this season.
JJ McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason. On the other hand, Dallas Turner has been active for all seven games this season and has seen the number of his snaps decrease each week. Speaking to the media this week, the Vikings defensive coordinator preached patience for rookie Dallas Turner. He said it takes time for rookies to develop and that Turner shouldn’t be judged for his first six games.
Dallas Turner is going in the wrong direction for the Vikings
I understand the frustration with Dallas Turner’s lack of production/shots thus far. Especially given where Rams rookie Jared Verse is.
But remember:
-Verse is almost 3 years older than Turner. Imagine where DDT will be with 2 extra seasons of development.
-Aries running fast…— FTW viola! Podcast (@PurpleForTheWin) October 29, 2024
Against the Giants in Week 1, Dallas Turner was on the field for 35 defensive snaps. He recorded his first career sack and had three tackles. Since then, Turner’s playing time has decreased significantly. In Week 2 against San Francisco, Turner was on the field for 18 snaps and then did not play in Week 3 due to injury. When Turner returned against the Packers in Week 4, he had only played 11 plays. He played 13 snaps against the Jets in Week 5, but that number dropped again in Week 7 when he played five snaps against the Lions.
When the Vikings played with the Rams in Week 8, Turner played in just three snaps. He has six combined tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss after the first six games. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores preaches patience for Turner during his rookie season. He mentioned Steelers All-Pro Cam Heyward as a player who sat out early in his career and became a pro. Flores said he could see a similar trajectory for Turner. The Vikings are at home in Week 9 to face the Indianapolis Colts.
