NFL Draft: Alabama’s Dallas Turner drafted No. 17 overall by Minnesota Vikings

Alabama football’s second player of the 2024 NFL Draft has come off the board. Linebacker Dallas Turner was picked No. 17 overall in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings, 10 selections after JC Latham went to the Tennessee Titans at No. 7.

The Vikings traded up for the pick with the Jacksonville Jaguars, sending the Jags the No. 23 pick in the first round, as well as a fifth-round pick, plus a third and a fourth in 2025. Minnesota also held the 10th pick of the first round, taking Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy there.

Turner became a terrifying presence off the edge during his three seasons in Tuscaloosa. He was a consensus all-America in 2023 for the Crimson Tide.

“Dallas has always been a good player for us,” former UA head coach Nick Saban said during the season. “He’s always a hard worker, really conscientious guy, has sort of a high standard for how he wants to play and do things. This year I think he’s trying to take on a little bit more of a leadership role in terms of how he can impact and affect other people on the team, which I think he’s done a good job of and he’s played really well for us.”

The Fort Lauderdale native earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2023. He was named the conference’s co-player of the year by its coaches.

The 6-foot-4, 252-pound Turner had 10 sacks his final season with the Crimson Tide. He made 53 total tackles and had a pass breakup.

Turner was a key member of Alabama’s team dating back to his freshman year in 2021. He spent two seasons lining up opposite Will Anderson, now of the Houston Texans, and one with Chris Braswell, also a 2024 draft prospect.

The Vikings finished 7-10 last season, missing the NFC playoffs.