Vikings’ Draft Regret: Jared Verse Outshines Dallas Turner in Rookie Season

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to trade up for edge rusher Dallas Turner in the 2024 NFL Draft is under scrutiny after Jared Verse, selected two spots later by the Los Angeles Rams, emerged as a frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year. While the Vikings enjoyed a stellar 14-3 season, their gamble on Turner over Verse has sparked debate among analysts and fans alike.

Verse, a standout for the Rams, has been a force on the field, ranking fourth among all edge rushers with a 26.8% pass rush win rate, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Turner, meanwhile, has struggled to match Verse’s production, winning just 6.5% of his pass rushes. Verse’s 833 regular-season snaps dwarf Turner’s 302, with the Rams rookie consistently playing a larger role in his team’s defense.

“Jared Verse isn’t just good for a rookie. He’s one of the best pass rushers in the NFL already,” tweeted NFL analyst Brett Kollmann. Verse’s advanced metrics further bolster his case, as he ranks fourth in total pressures among edge rushers, trailing only established stars like Trey Hendrickson and Myles Garrett.

Turner, while less impactful as a pass rusher, has shown promise in coverage. His 77.5 PFF coverage grade ranks 16th among edge defenders, and he allowed just eight catches on ten targets this season. Verse, by contrast, has a 55.3 coverage grade and allowed receptions on all five of his targets in limited coverage snaps.

The Vikings’ decision to prioritize Turner over Verse may haunt them as Verse continues to dominate. With the Rams rookie on track for a historic season, Minnesota’s front office faces questions about their draft strategy and whether they missed out on a generational talent.