Vikings Rookie Struggles: Is Dallas Turner Slow Start a…

As the Minnesota Vikings continue to smother opposing offenses — they’ve allowed just one touchdown and 13 total points in their last two games — fans and national media members have been wondering the same thing.

What’s going on with Dallas Turner?

The exciting rookie pass rusher out of Alabama fell in the 2024 NFL Draft as teams loaded up on quarterbacks, wide receivers, offensive tackles and a tight end with the first 14 selections. The Vikings decided to make a move at No. 17 overall, trading a haul of picks to land a future franchise cornerstone pass rusher.

These first 10 weeks of the season, however, haven’t exactly played out the way anyone expected. 

Turner opened the season with a solid role in Brian Flores’ defense, playing 35 snaps and notching his first NFL sack in a win over the New York Giants. He hasn’t played more than 26 defensive snaps in a game since, and has played less than 20 in six out of the eight games he’s appeared in. 

ESPN’s Matt Miller recently gauged the panic meter on Turner’s limited role. Here was his take in a report on 2024 NFL rookies:

“Turner, the No. 17 overall pick in the draft, was expected to boost a Minnesota edge rush that sorely needed help. And the team made an expensive draft-day trade to get him, which pointed to a clearly identified early role. Instead, he’s barely played this season,” Miller wrote. “(Week 9) was Turner’s best performance to date, with six pressures on 24 snaps, but his role is in flux moving forward. The Minnesota defense has been one of the best units in the NFL this season, but Turner’s lack of a consistent role is concerning.”

Is it time to be concerned about Dallas Turner?

Absolutely not, but concern from fans is understandable.

Minnesota has played against Jared Verse of the Rams and Laiatu Latu of the Colts already this season. Both of those players were drafted around Turner — Latu before, Verse after — and both are emerging stars for their respective defenses.

The difference? Both of those defenses are terrible. 

The Colts and Rams are actually tied for 27th in the NFL in opponent yards per play. The Vikings are sixth. The Vikings also rank second in opponent offensive points allowed per game and first overall in both interceptions and total takeaways.

Minnesota simply has a better defense overall, led by veteran EDGE defenders — notably Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel — who have performed so well that they barely leave the field. Greenard and Van Ginkel have played an identical 468 snaps this season. Turner has played 122. That’s not by accident.

The Vikings have the luxury of developing Turner behind the scenes while keeping him fresh and healthy for the second half of the season. They’re good enough on that side of the football to take a patient approach with the rookie, and fans should do the same.