The Vikings’ 2024 draft hinges on McCarthy and Turner turning potential into production. McCarthy’s shaky start and ankle sprain cloud his rookie timeline, while Turner battles pro blocking as he learns to bend pressure into results. A breakthrough from both would lock in a QB/edge backbone and brighten Minnesota’s long-term ceiling.

If they don’t mature quickly, Minnesota may lean on veterans and trades, intensifying the rebuild narrative around Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Donovan Jackson and other 2025 picks must deliver to salvage the class and keep the coaching staff from spiraling into a churned roster.

The Minnesota Vikings sit at No. 10 in ESPN’s power rankings ahead of 2025, a spot that mirrors real optimism around a loaded roster and one of the league’s strongest coaching staffs. The biggest swing factor is J.J. McCarthy, a first-time starter whose success would lift the club’s playoff ceiling and validate a patient build around McCarthy’s upside.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell have extended their jobs and stacked a veteran-savvy group, with little heat on any major names. The Vikings’ path to a higher rank hinges on athletic additions turning into consistency: McCarthy producing, plus solid campaigns from Dallas Turner and Donovan Jackson to anchor the interior. Addison’s emergence remains pivotal, given he was the lone starter drafted 2022–2024. If McCarthy proves himself, the club could drift higher as the season unfolds.

There’s a strategic wrinkle: ESPN hints the 2026 draft process could get a makeover if results don’t materialize from recent picks, a potential reset that could alter how fantasy managers view asset upside in this offense. In fantasy terms, McCarthy’s workload and efficiency would set Addison’s target profile, Turner’s athletic growth, and Jackson’s line play up for bigger roles as Minnesota pushes for a postseason berth.

Bottom line: Minnesota heads into 2025 in a sweet spot, but the quarterback play remains the fulcrum. Acknowledging that, McCarthy’s performance could unlock top-shelf fantasy value for Addison and the Vikings’ offense, while Turner and Jackson chase breakout campaigns behind a veteran-forward lineup.

Dallas Turner, selected 17th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft, has struggled to make an impact during his rookie season, logging only three snaps out of 310 defensive plays. This has largely been due to the stellar performance of the team's starting edge defenders, Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, who combined for an impressive 23.5 sacks and earned Pro Bowl selections. As the Vikings head into 2025, the organization is looking to Turner's growth and potential contributions, but his ability to carve out a role amidst established veterans remains a concern.

Head coach Alec Lewis emphasized the importance of how Turner is utilized during training camp. With a focus on integrating Turner into the defensive scheme, the Vikings must balance how much they rely on their stars versus allowing Turner the opportunity to flourish.

Dallas Turner, the Minnesota Vikings' second-year linebacker, is poised to become the most intriguing player on the team's defense in 2025. After being selected 17th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Turner is touted as a top-tier pass-rusher. With the offseason acquisitions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave bolstering the defensive line, and expectations for a dynamic secondary pairing of Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr., Turner could emerge as a key figure in the Vikings' defensive strategy.

His development in Year 2 is critical as the Vikings look to build a formidable defense. The team traded up to secure Turner, indicating their belief in his potential impact. As he continues to adapt to the NFL's demands and refine his skills, he could be the x-factor that elevates Minnesota's defense to new heights.