Ac helmet and ball are seen on the field before a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 18, 2019, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, it was anticipated that the first round would predominantly feature offensive players, with many talented quarterbacks and wide receivers in the spotlight according to draft experts. This prediction held true as the first 14 picks were all offensive players. UCLA’s Laiatu Latu was the first defensive player selected, going to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 15 overall.
Following Latu, the Seattle Seahawks picked defensive tackle Byron Murphy II at No. 16 overall, and the Minnesota Vikings selected pass rusher Dallas Turner at No. 17. Only nine defensive players were chosen in the first round. Now, DraftKings via ProFootballTalk reports that Turner is currently favored over Latu to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
It will be interesting to see how Turner fares in Minnesota, as he might have the best chance to make an immediate impact compared to Murphy and Latu. The Vikings have seen significant veteran departures this year, with star quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Danielle Hunter leaving in NFL free agency, signaling a shift toward younger players.
Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is likely to become the new face of the franchise, and the Vikings’ defense will also undergo a transformation. How this transition will unfold in Minnesota is uncertain; it could be a swift and smooth process or a challenging one in the upcoming season.
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