{"id":838216,"date":"2026-03-28T02:53:15","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T02:53:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/838216\/"},"modified":"2026-03-28T02:53:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T02:53:15","slug":"vikings-doubt-1st-rd-pick-can-handle-bigger-role","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/838216\/","title":{"rendered":"Vikings Doubt 1st Rd Pick Can Handle Bigger Role"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"DallasCredit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

We have less than a month until the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Minnesota Vikings currently hold four top-100 picks<\/a>. That\u2019s a lot more early-round ammunition than 2025, when they had just one, which was used on<\/a> starting left guard, Donovan Jackson (Ohio State).<\/p>\n

Where they go with those picks is yet to be seen, and we really have no idea what they want to do or who they are targeting, now that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is no longer running the show<\/a>.<\/p>\n

At this point, all we can hope for is that the combination of Rob Brzezinski, Kevin O\u2019Connell and Brian Flores can do better than their predecessor. Of course, that shouldn\u2019t be too difficult, being Kwesi was one of the worst executives to ever be in charge of MN Vikings draft picks.<\/p>\n

Approximate Value Over Expectation for draft picks since 2022:<\/p>\n

1. Rams (+125.2)
2. Buccaneers (+92.4)
3. Bills (+79.6)
4. Packers (+76.5)
5. Seahawks (+64.7)
\u2026
28. Titans (-26.7)
29. Browns (-35.1)
30. Cardinals (-36.7)
31. Panthers (-39.5)
32. Vikings (-61) pic.twitter.com\/xmLRKJYQ6P<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Steven Patton (@PattonAnalytics) March 19, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

While his 2022 and 2023 drafts were brutal, the former GM\u2019s more recent selections aren\u2019t looking much better. The Vikings\u2019 2024 class, for example, has currently produced just one starter \u2014 kicker Will Richard (5th round).<\/p>\n

With their first two picks that April, Minnesota selected QB JJ McCarthy<\/a> (No. 10) and EDGE Dallas Turner (No. 17). Going on three years later, neither player has earned a starting role, even though the Vikings did their very best to force McCarthy into that role last season\u2026 which he quickly proved he wasn\u2019t ready for.<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings still uncomfortable playing Dallas Turner more often<\/p>\n

On the other side of the field, the coaching staff has been much more reluctant to throw Turner to the NFL wolves. While Dallas has found the field in 33 of the MN Vikings\u2019 34 games since being drafted, he\u2019s started just 10. And those starts came to fruition because of Jonathan Greenard or Andrew Van Ginkel injuries.<\/p>\n

With that being said, if you were hoping this would be the year we see Dallas Turner take giant leap in his development that we\u2019ve all been waiting for\u2026 local insider Darren Wolfson (KSTP)<\/a> has some bad news for you.<\/p>\n

On a recent episode of Purple Daily (SKOR North)<\/a>, Wolfson reports that the MN Vikings still do not seem comfortable giving Turner a more significant role than the one he already has.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think the Vikings are ready for Dallas Turner \u2014 even though you look at the last half of last year, [I know] there\u2019s a sense that Dallas Turner is ready to ascend even more \u2014 but I\u2019m not sure, internally, they are ready for Dallas Turner to play 55 to 62-ish snaps in a game. And who else do [they] have?<\/p>\n

Now, I suppose if you trade Greenard, okay, Dallas ascends up, he\u2019ll play that much more. You can go sign a street free agent \u2014 there\u2019s still some guys available \u2014 or use a draft pick on somebody that can rush the quarterback from the edge.<\/p>\n

But I just I don\u2019t think they\u2019re ready for Dallas to have like a significantly bigger role. I\u2019m getting into semantics, right? Because is he going to have a bigger role in 26? Yes. I\u2019m not suggesting otherwise, but a much bigger role? I\u2019m not sure they\u2019re ready for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Darren Wolfson \u2013 Purple Daily (SKOR North)<\/a><\/p>\n

What has Turner shown (or not shown) the Vikings?<\/p>\n

Obviously, Minnesota\u2019s lack of confidence in their 23-year-old<\/a> former Alabama phenom is one of many reasons why the Vikings are so hesitant to trade Greenard, who apparently wants more money<\/a> than what anybody in the league is apparently willing to pay him.<\/p>\n

In his 33 NFL games played<\/a> (1,012 defensive snaps), Turner has collected 11 sacks, 86 tackles, 14 TFL, 4 forced fumbles and 1 interception. He\u2019s also managed 8 QB hits and 54 total QB hurries. While it\u2019s difficult to judge on standard stats, his 65.5 (2025) and 64.1 (2024) PFF grades<\/a> the past two seasons don\u2019t help either.<\/p>\n

Related: Interest Not Mutual Between MN Vikings and Star Free Agent<\/a><\/p>\n

If Wolfson is right about the Minnesota Vikings\u2019 feelings toward Dallas Turner, it\u2019ll be up to him to prove them otherwise this summer. Because there is no doubt the kid still has all the physical tools necessary to be a really good NFL player.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Dallas Turner<\/a> NFL Offseason<\/a> <\/p>\n

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