Could the Vikings Add Another EDGE?
The Minnesota Vikings went into the offseason uncertain about the edge rusher position. Then, there was a massive hole when Danielle Hunter signed elsewhere. At this point, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has brought in fresh bodies, but could the Vikings also use their first pick on another edge rusher?
Could the Vikings Add Another EDGE?
Dallas Turner is a name that has been linked to the Minnesota Vikings at multiple points throughout the draft process, and his first made plenty of sense from the get-go. Once the front office decided to add a pair of free agents whose sole purpose was to chase down the opposing pass rusher, then there was seemingly lesser importance placed on bringing in yet another asset at the position.
Conventional wisdom suggests that Minnesota acquired a second first-round pick to create a package that allows them to jump up for their quarterback of the future. They could pivot to other talent if they can’t find a partner or a return worthy of taking. The 11th overall pick is a pot where Turner’s name makes sense.
It should be expected that four quarterbacks and two wide receivers will be off the board before the 11th overall pick. Left tackle Joe Alt will also be in play before that, and any number of teams could move up with their eyes set on a specific player. Minnesota hasn’t overshared its hand at this point, which means they don’t have to pay a ransom if they don’t want to.
Coming out of Alabama, Turner is a very polished edge rushing prospect. He plays with a high motor and seems to love competing on every down. There’s no denying his talent could be good enough to overtake the veterans above him, and the Vikings would then have an immediate youth replacement for Hunter.
Pelissero notes that teams like the Bears, Falcons, Chargers, and Cardinals have also met with Turner. Teams ahead of Minnesota are interested in his services as well, and while they could just be doing their due diligence, he is definitely a hot commodity. Going into the draft, it doesn’t seem likely that Turner will be the pick, but there are many worse ways for the board to play out.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
You must be logged in to post a comment.