NFL News: Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell sends unusual praise for QB Sam Darnold's rookie teammate

The Minnesota Vikings are no longer on a perfect path heading into 2024 NFL season, and they're hoping the divisional loss to the Detroit Lions doesn't dampen the morale of a team that sits atop the NFC North with a 5-1 record. As a head coach Kevin O'Connell gave the quarterback an unusual compliment Sam Darnold's rookie teammate not having a good moment.

It's clear that this season is off to a great start for O'Connell's Vikings, whose main star is Sam Darnold. Sometimes, even if unusual words are used, the focus should not be on the headliners, but on the players doing their best. especially if their work ethic is not that high due to a certain transition moment in their career.

“He’s going to be an absolute monster for us.” was head coach O'Connell's unusual praise for rookie Dallas Turner, who has played in just four games this season. Turner is a linebacker who joined the Vikings this offseason. “He is a young player in a defense where roles and responsibilities can sometimes adjust during the game.” said the coach, who trusts him because he sees him as special, even if he plays less and less.

Turner played just four defensive snaps in the loss at Detroit, his fewest this season. His main role came in the first two weeks of the season when he totaled five tackles. Without going any further, his journey to the pros got off to a promising start when he made his first career catch in the Giants' season opener against the New York Giants.

Dallas Turner #15 of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

How did Turner join the Vikings?

Turner came to the Vikings with the 17th overall pick in this year's draft. The rookie has played a handful of snaps per game since returning from injury. The 21-year-old player came to Minnesota from the Alabama Crimson Tide.

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NFL News: QB Sam Darnold reveals the key to the Minnesota Vikings' success this season

How do this year's draft picks stack up for the Vikings?

In addition to linebacker Turner's dwindling snaps, the Vikings' other first-round pick was quarterback JJ McCarthy. who has not yet made his season debut and is not expected to be on the field until 2025 due to a knee injury.