Bleacher Report Names “Most Promising Player” for Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings arguably have a handful of contenders for “most promising player” in 2026, including any rookie drafted in April, quarterback Kyler Murray, newcomer wideout Jauan Jennings, or even steady-eddy running back Jordan Mason. But none are as promising as outside linebacker Dallas Turner, says Bleacher Report.

Kristopher Knox identified each team’s most promising player last week, and for Minnesota, that was none other than Turner, who enters Year No. 3 in 2026.

The Vikings 2024 Trade-Up Debate Gets a New Layer

Dallas Turner lines up during Vikings-Rams wild card action. — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner lined up against the Los Angeles Rams during wild card action at State Farm Stadium, giving Minnesota another postseason look at its young pass rusher. On January 13, 2025, in Glendale, Turner worked into the defensive rotation as the Vikings tried to slow Los Angeles in playoff action. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

BR: Turner Is Vikings Most Promising Player

On ‘most promising,’ Knox made the case for Turner: “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.”

Turner will also benefit from playing in one of the league’s top defenses. Since Brian Flores arrived in 2023, his defense ranks second-best in the NFL per EPA/Play.

“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 Flores’ defensive front seven,” Knox continued.

“A few more positive steps should push Turner toward double-digit sacks, and possibly, Pro Bowl consideration. It’ll certainly help if Murray can spark the offense enough to leave opposing teams passing often.”

A Peek at the Numbers

Turner is certainly on the right track, based on the last two seasons. Vikings fans were likely wondering why their big trade-up wasn’t immediately creating a stir every Sunday. The simple truth was that Turner was only 21, playing in Flores’ complex defense, and behind seasoned pass rushers. He only saw the field for 28% of defensive snaps in 2024, so a complete picture of his abilities was elusive.

Still, he showed flashes. As a rookie, Turner accumulated 3 sacks, 5 quarterback hits, 3 tackles for loss, and an interception. That was enough for Minnesota to remain patient, a sentiment shared by anyone with a discerning eye.

Then Year No. 2 arrived, and the moment everyone anticipated occurred. Greenard got hurt, and Turner’s playing time surged. His snap share jumped to 66%, and finally, his production began to match the draft-day hype. He finished the season with 8 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles.

By November 2025, the earlier concerns had largely dissipated. Turner appeared mentally sharper and more comfortable in Flores’ system. Pro Football Focus awarded him a 65.5 overall grade and a 70.2 as a pass rusher. Those are satisfactory numbers, as the Vikings drafted Turner for growth rather than instant gratification. And that ascent? It’s well underway. It’s all in front of Turner.

Unleashed, Alas, in 2026

This is the moment, the one Turner has likely been biding his time for two long years. As a 1st-Rounder from the 2024 NFL Draft, it was always a bit strange that two Pro Bowl EDGEs lived in front of Turner on the depth chart. The Greenard trade in April wiped that problem away.

Dallas Turner warms up before a Vikings game against the Lions. — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner warmed up before a divisional matchup with the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium, continuing his rookie season in Brian Flores’ defense. On October 20, 2024, in Minneapolis, Turner prepared for a physical NFC North game as Minnesota looked for edge-rush juice against Detroit’s offense up front. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Suddenly, the Vikings have limited OLB depth, so much so that Turner must be effective and show that he was worth the ginormous trade in 2024. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the former Vikings general manager, paid a hefty price to trade up for Turner, and for now, it feels like the Jacksonville Jaguars “won the trade.” Brian Thomas developed into a promising playmaker, and the Jaguars also acquired valuable additional picks that turned into Keilan Robinson and Caleb Ransaw.

For Minnesota, the success of this trade hinges entirely on Turner becoming a dominant EDGE rusher. Nothing less is acceptable according to the trade’s parameters.

The Case for Kyler Murray

One might argue that Murray is the “most promising” Viking, per Knox’s criteria. In the last three seasons, the Arizona Cardinals‘ defense ranked 30th in EPA/Play — also known as the third-worst. During the same timeframe, the Vikings’ defense ranks second-best in the NFL per the metric.

Kyler Murray rolls out to pass against the Bills. Dallas Turner. — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray rolled out against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium, scanning downfield while escaping pressure during first-half action. On September 8, 2024, in Orchard Park, Murray looked to throw on the move as Arizona opened its season against a tough Buffalo defense on the road in Week 1. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images.

Murray will also have the advantage of throwing the ball to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and T.J. Hockenson on Sundays, in addition to tutelage from the “quarterback whisperer” head coach, Kevin O’Connell.

The new Viking has all the physical tools to excel in the Twin Cities. All he has to do is stay healthy and buy into the offense.

Murray, Turner, and the Vikings begin the regular season in 68 days.