For Dallas Turner, the bust prognostications were unavoidable.
The Minnesota Vikings appeared to be targeting a franchise pass rusher when they traded up to land Turner on Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. But now 20 games in, fans have been puzzled by Turner’s usage (just 433 total defensive snaps, or 25.5 per game, per Pro Football Focus) and minimal impact (21 total pressures, four sacks, and just 16 solo tackles).
The Vikings, of course, know what they have in their still 22-year-old ascending star. With Turner, the box score doesn’t tell the real story — especially in coach Brian Flores’ assignment-based scheme.