A second-year player on the defensive line is due to break out
The Minnesota Vikings' defense has many stars, old and new. Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores is like a kid in a candy store with the options at his disposal. Blitz, rush four, play coverage, the personnel fit the mad scientist's scheme. The scheme is one thing, but the personnel lift the scheme.
While there will be some roster turnover with free agents leaving, a rookie class to add, and possible retirements, the Vikings are in great shape with a great balance of youngsters and veterans.
But which player is ready to break out in 2026?
Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus has identified EDGE rusher Dallas Turner as his breakout player for the Vikings next season.
"Turner may have finally found his footing during the second half of this season. From Weeks 10 through 18, the former first-round pick racked up 24 pressures and seven sacks while ranking 16th among qualified edge rushers in PFF pass-rush grade (76.5). Turner also seemed to find further comfort in run defense, which could make him a more viable three-down player in 2026."
Ranking sixth among all EDGE rushers with 321 run defense snaps, the nine sacks (21st) and 42 pressures (43rd) are even more impressive given his 288 pass rush snaps, which ranked 66th in the NFL.
With a knack for helping turn the ball over, Turner finished with four forced fumbles, good for second, and with 35 solo tackles, which ranks seventh.
The former EDGE from Alabama was labeled as the best pure athlete in last year's draft and seems to have put it together down the stretch.
Here was Bleacher Report's scouting report on Turner before the draft.
— Good frame with room to put weight on, and he's shown good athletic ability for the position.
— He has a few impressive finesse moves that he can win with in the NFL namely a dip-rip and a ghost rush. Pairs those with good bend to turn a tight corner.
— Solid as a bull-rusher with good hand placement and leg drive, and enough strength to collapse the pocket against NFL offensive tackles who have a weaker base.
— Closes on the quarterback in a hurry.
— Has quick hands against the run and is physical at the point of attack to help set the edge against tackles and avoid getting blocked by tight ends.
— Can get penetration when slanting with his combination of quickness and agility.