The 2024 offseason for the Minnesota Vikings has been one filled with a lot of change. The core of the franchise saw a major shift with quarterback Kirk Cousins leaving for the Atlanta Falcons and the selection of quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
He wasn't the only draft pick as there have been multiple players who have stood out for the Vikings during the offseason program, including the kicker Will Reichard. It looks to be another good draft class under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
One player who has stood out since the beginning of rookie camp is first-round pick edge rusher Dallas Turner. He even blew the mind of Christian Darrisaw. ESPN's Kevin Seifert mentioned that in his writeup of Turner, where Seifert says Turner "looks the part."
Turner has looked the part of an edge rusher, and all-field playmaker, that pre-draft evaluations suggested -- at least as much as anyone can before pads come on. The most notable moment came in a practice that was closed to reporters but was recounted by left tackle Christian Darrisaw. As Darrisaw described it, Turner put a spin move on another offensive lineman that was quicker than any of them had seen from four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, who recorded 87.5 sacks in eight seasons with the Vikings before signing a free agent contract with the Texans this spring
Turner is a player with tremendous movement skills and has drawn comparisons to former New England Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower. That kind of versatility is going to be vital for defensive coordinator Brian Flores, as he loves using multiple fronts and personnel groupings to attack offenses.
It also helps that fellow edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel has been out healing from a Lisfranc foot injury, giving Turner a lot of first-team reps on defense during the offseason. It bodes well for him making an immediate impact for the Vikings.