Vikings DC compares first-round pick to three-time Super Bowl champion

The Vikings traded up twice in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to land who they hope to be franchise players on each side of the ball.

Most notably, Minnesota moved up to pick No. 10 to draft former Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, but it's the team's second first-rounder that has quickly caught the attention of defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

As a run on defensive players began in the bottom half of the first round, the Vikings traded from pick No. 23 to 17 to snag former Alabama edge-rusher Dallas Turner.

Flores has since revealed who Turner reminds him of.

"The name that comes to mind, and he was another Alabama player, is Dont'a Hightower," Flores said, via Tatum Everett of the team's official website. "Big, fast, physical, great traits and intangibles, leadership. That's the name that comes to mind. I would say he's probably a little faster than Hightower."

That's quite the company to put Turner in before taking his first NFL snap. 

Hightower finished his 10-year NFL career with 569 tackles, 27 sacks, two forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, one interception and 18 passes defensed while helping the New England Patriots win three Super Bowl championships.

However, that isn't to say Turner can't have a similar impact in Minnesota. Many draft experts tabbed him as a top-10 talent after registering 120 tackles, 22.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one touchdown in the past three years at Alabama.

Flores wasn't the only coach to compare Turner to Hightower, either. Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban also compared the two during this year's draft coverage, highlighting Turner's position flexibility.

Hightower primarily played as an off-the-ball linebacker throughout his professional career while Turner seems to have more upside as a pass-rusher, but Flores could get creative with how he uses the rookie.

Either way, if Flores and Saban both see shades of Hightower in Turner, who's to argue with them?