The Minnesota Vikings made two selections in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and edge rusher Dallas Turner could give defensive coordinator Brian Flores the weapon he needs to thrive.
The Vikings' defense thrives on versatility and aggressiveness, both of which they used a lot in the 2023 season. With one year under their belt, the Vikings went from one of the worst defenses in the NFL to league average, which is a really impressive feat considering the voids in high-end talent the Vikings had at multiple positions.
The acquisition of Turner will give Flores the chess piece that he needs to be versatile and aggressive. During an interview with the Vikings Entertainment Network, Flores compared Turner to another Alabama defender Dont'a Hightower, an opinion also shared by Nick Saban.
"The name that comes to mind, and he was another Alabama player, is Dont'a Hightower. Big, fast, physical, great traits and intangibles, leadership. That's the name that comes to mind. I would say he's probably a little faster than Hightower."
That comparison is a really good one, as Hightower was a difference maker and a true chess piece for Bill Belichick for years. Flores also coached Hightower in New England and knows how to use a player of that caliber.
