“His body, the shape he was in, just looks so strong,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “I think he’s gained a lot of strength. I think he’s gained a lot of understanding of the role. … We’ve got three starters. We really feel like that. That’s a testament to the work Dallas has put in, and he’s going to get a lot of opportunities.”
O’Connell added: “I’m expecting a huge jump from him starting [this week].”
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores said Dallas Turner has been open to the many roles the team has for him. “I’m excited for him,” Flores said. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
An added complexity to Turner’s NFL transition is the vision that coordinator Brian Flores has for his eventual overall game as a rush-and-cover linebacker. Last year, Turner dropped into coverage at a similar rate (27%) as the Vikings’ primary hybrid edge rusher, Van Ginkel (33%), according to Pro Football Focus. For comparison, Greenard dropped into coverage on 15% of passing downs.
More zone coverage responsibilities require even more film study, which Turner said can help him play up to his 4.46-second speed.
“Getting more comfortable with the pace of the game, getting familiar with offensive recognition: formations, plays, different types of [pass-blocking] sets, going against NFL players and stuff like that in general,” Turner said. “Strength, speed, conditioning, all that stuff. Just really an all-around, overall thing.”
Flores, the 44-year-old tactician, said Turner has been “open” to those varied roles this summer.