EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings bolstered their defense Thursday in the opening night of the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting outside linebacker Dallas Turner with the 17^th overall pick.

Turner is the second Alabama player ever drafted in a first round by Minnesota. He joins former linebacker Dwayne Rudd, whom the Vikings tabbed 20^th overall in 1997.

Minnesota moved up — for the second time of the evening — from 23^rd to 17^th in order to select Turner. The Vikings sent picks No. 23 and 167, as well as third- and fourth-rounders in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Vikings had first obtained the 23^rd pick from the Houston Texans on March 15. After patiently waiting Thursday and going from 11 to 10 in order to draft quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota got in on a delayed run of defensive players.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, Turner will join a defense with multiple new pieces that have been added to follow-up a strong first season under Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores.

The selection follows an active offseason for the Vikings at the outside linebacker position. Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum and Marcus Davenport departed in free agency, and Minnesota quickly added Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel.

Last season for Alabama, Turner started all 14 games and recorded 53 tackles (28 solo), 11 sacks, a team-leading 14.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and 13 quarterback hits.

Turner served as a team captain and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and received First-Team All-SEC honors. He also was a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year Award.

In three seasons for the Crimson Tide, Turner played in 42 games and totaled 120 tackles (58 solo), 23.5 sacks, 32.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Turner played high school football for St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) and was a consensus five-star prospect. He was named to the 2020 All-American Bowl and the Under Armour All-America Game rosters.

NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah listed Turner as his 13^th overall player in this year's draft and his No. 1 edge rusher.

In his write-up of Turner, Jeremiah said he is "a long, athletic edge with excellent production and an intriguing skill set as a pass rusher."

"Overall, Turner has played a pivotal role on the 'Bama defense for three years and he's ready to make an immediate impact at the next level," Jeremiah added.

ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr., listed Turner as his No. 9 overall player and top outside linebacker.

NFL Media's Bucky Brooks, The Athletic's Dane Brugler and Pro Football Focus all listed Turner as their best edge rusher of the class.

Vikings history in NFL Draft

Turner is the third player ever selected by Minnesota from the 17^th overall spot, joining linebackers Fred McNeill and Chad Greenway.