A former linebacker for Alabama has committed to the Minnesota Vikings.

Former Alabama Linebacker Dallas Turner Joins Minnesota Vikings’ Defensive Revolution

In a move that has excited both fans and analysts, the Minnesota Vikings selected former Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, signaling their intent to bolster a defense hungry for explosive playmakers . Turner, a consensus All-American and the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, brings to Minnesota a rare combination of size, speed, and instinct that head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores have long coveted .

From Fort Lauderdale to Bryant–Denny Stadium

Born on February 2, 2003, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dallas Turner’s football lineage runs deep: his father, Delon Turner, was a professional basketball player turned venture capitalist . Turner first made his mark at American Heritage School, where he earned area Defensive Player of the Year honors as a junior after totaling 74 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks. Seeking to compete on an even bigger stage, Turner transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where he cemented his status as a five-star recruit with 36 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks during his senior season .

Crimson Tide Stardom

Upon arriving at the University of Alabama in 2021, Turner immediately became a key rotational pass rusher for the Crimson Tide. He earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors after showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, recording multiple sacks in high-stakes games and even returning a fumble 11 yards for a touchdown against Tennessee in 2022 . In 2023, Turner led the SEC with ten sacks, anchoring a defense that finished the season 12–2 and advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals . His explosive playmaking and leadership on the field earned him consensus All-American status and a share of the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year award .

Dominating the Combine

Dallas Turner’s stock soared at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.46 seconds and leapt 40.5 inches on the vertical jump . His 10.7-foot broad jump and massive 83-inch wingspan further underscored his status as an athletic “freak,” prompting ESPN analysts to peg him as a potential top-10 pick . Despite mock drafts projecting him to the Atlanta Falcons, Turner ultimately waited until the Vikings traded up to secure the dynamic edge rusher at pick 17, leaving no doubt that Minnesota’s front office viewed him as a cornerstone of their defensive rebuild .

Draft Night: A New Vikings Era Begins

On April 25, 2024, the Vikings orchestrated a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars to move up and select Turner, officially adding him to a defensive unit in transition under Brian Flores . In his first comments as a Viking, Turner emphasized his readiness to learn and compete, praising Flores’ scheme and expressing excitement about lining up alongside veterans like Danielle Hunter and veteran All-Pro Jonathan Allen . General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah heralded the selection as a “big-play addition” who could disrupt both the run and pass with equal ferocity.

Rookie Season: Making an Immediate Impact

Turner wasted no time showing his worth in Minnesota purple. In his NFL debut against the New York Giants, he recorded his first career sack, displaying the quick-twitch explosiveness that foreshadowed bigger moments to come . By Week 16, Turner sealed a 27–24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks with an interception of Geno Smith, demonstrating not only his pass-rushing prowess but also his budding ability in coverage . He finished his rookie campaign with 20 total tackles, three sacks, an interception, and one pass defended across 16 games, laying a strong foundation for increased playing time in Year 2 .

Fitting Into the Flores Blueprint

Under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings have adopted a versatile, scheme-heavy approach that prizes athletic linebackers capable of both setting the edge and dropping into coverage . Flores praised Turner’s football IQ and competitive drive, noting how quickly he mastered the playbook and earned the trust of the veteran-led locker room . Analysts like Nelson Thielen of Zone Coverage have lauded Turner as a potential “force multiplier,” capable of elevating the entire unit with game-changing plays off the edge .

Flores’ confidence in Turner was further evident during the 2025 offseason program, when the coordinator singled him out as a key building block for a defense aiming to return to NFC North contention . Cornerstones like Harrison Smith and Danielle Hunter complement Turner’s ascending talent, creating a multi-dimensional front seven optimized for pressure and unpredictability .

Community and Character Off the Field

Beyond his on-field exploits, Turner has embraced the Minneapolis-Saint Paul community, participating in youth football clinics and local charity events . He credits his time at Alabama—where the focus on “The Process” instilled discipline and leadership—with preparing him not just for pro football, but for life in a new city . Teammates routinely praise his work ethic; defensive captain Eric Kendricks highlighted Turner’s film-study habits as “next level,” pointing to late-night breakdown sessions as proof of his commitment .

Looking Ahead: The Road to Defensive Prowess

As the Vikings gear up for the 2025 season, expectations for Turner continue to rise. With a full offseason and training camp under his belt, he’s poised to transition from rotational pass rusher to every-down force. The convergence of youth and experience—bolstered by the team’s recent free-agent additions—sets the stage for Minnesota’s defense to reclaim its identity as a top-tier unit .

Offseason projections already pencil Turner in for double-digit sacks, and his development in coverage could yield even more splash plays. The Vikings’ ambition is clear: to return to the playoffs and establish a defense capable of matching their high-powered offense. In Turner, they believe they’ve found a foundational piece around which to build that success.

Conclusion

Dallas Turner’s commitment to the Minnesota Vikings marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter—for player and franchise alike. From his decorated tenure at Alabama to his electric Combine performance and promising rookie season, Turner has consistently demonstrated the traits of a game-changer . Under the tutelage of Brian Flores and alongside a cast of seasoned veterans, Turner is on track to become a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defense for years to come. As Minnesota fans eagerly anticipate the kickoff of the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Turner to see whether he can ascend to the elite ranks of NFL pass rushers and help usher in a new era of defensive dominance in Minneapolis.