Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Dallas Turner was named the most promising building block on the roster by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox. Even after a rookie season that had many questioning whether or not he was worth the selection at 17th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

After a breakout season last year, Turner has instilled confidence in both the franchise and the fanbase that he can be that guy, and it was emphasized when they traded Jonathan Greenard.

“Unfortunately, quarterback J.J. McCarthy didn’t make the necessary Year-2 strides to establish himself as a promising building block, which is why the Minnesota Vikings brought in Kyler Murray this offseason. However, fellow 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner did.

The Alabama product flashed potential as a rookie, finishing his inaugural campaign with 20 tackles and three sacks. However, he was even better last season, tallying 66 tackles, eight sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 24 quarterback pressures.

Entering Year 3, Turner has the chance to become the face of Minnesota’s pass rush. He already led the team in sacks in 2025, but with Jonathan Greenard, Javon Hargrave, and Jonathan Allen gone, Turner may quickly become the focal point of Brian Flores’ defensive front seven.” – Kristopher Knox

Dallas Turner is ready to take the next step

When you watch Turner’s film from 2025, he was a very solid player on the edge. After Greenard’s injury, Turner had to step into a bigger role and thrived in doing so. His eight sacks led the team, and his 42 pressures were second. What was really impressive about his breakout season is the growth in the baseline of play.

Strength was a big issue for Turner

Dallas Turner with a nice pushback to stop the run in its tracks pic.twitter.com/j1B7jIlmYF

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) November 18, 2025

Having that strength profile improve year over year, as it did, was excellent to see for the Vikings. Now, he can spend the offseason working on other elements of his game, including working on his pass rush repertoire.