The Minnesota Vikings 2024 NFL Draft class is one that has grades across the spectrum. The Vikings having two first round picks was seen as good by most, but how they got them is the biggest point of contention, especially considering they had to make three trades to make it all possible.
That element has skewed some draft grades who have had some issues with the process the Vikings took. They not only traded up to 23rd overall by giving up two second round picks, but then gave up a future third and fourth round pick to acquire pick 17.
However, things get a little better when you look at the consensus board. The best pick they made was Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner at 17th overall when he was ninth on the consensus board and The Athletic's Alec Lewis agrees.
Usually, the consensus best edge rusher in the NFL Draft does not fall to pick No. 17. That’s what happened Thursday night, and the Vikings pounced. They had targeted Turner for months. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores adored everything about him: his versatility, his experience in Nick Saban’s defensive system and his physicality. The versatility will allow Flores to do what he loves to do: use alignment and deception to confuse the quarterback. And unlike last year, when the Vikings were unable to apply pressure late in the season, they now have the pass rushers to win in one-on-one situations.
The style of play is the big one here. Turner is a hyper aggressive player who is sometimes a little bit too aggressive for his own good. That is something that Flores can refine in his system and use to his advantage. Historically, players need to have elite traits to be great edge rushers and Turner has that in droves.
