Don't be surprised if …

Outside linebacker Dallas Turner "ranks among the league's sacks leaders by the end of the season."

That's one of the bold predictions that ESPN's Dan Graziano extended this week.

Graziano highlighted the third-year Vikings defender who is primed for his biggest role, yet, in his annual all-32 article, in which he selects a potential surprise for each club based on reporting he's done throughout NFL training camps. Graziano says they aren't predictions "in the strictest sense."

More so, they are nuggets that "could signal things you might not be expecting."

Here's what Graziano is hearing about the 23-year-old Turner, who was the 17^th overall pick in 2024:

"In talking to people with the Vikings, it sounds like Turner has reached another gear this offseason and should be positioned to flourish in his third year in Brian Flores' defense. The Vikings need Turner to be a dominant presence off the edge, and during the offseason and training camp, he has impressed teammates and coaches alike with his command of the defense and the advances he has made in technique."

To add some color, we will note Turner constantly was in Minnesota's backfield — and Baltimore's backfield during joint practices — this summer, applying pressure and popping through for tackles. When the Ravens were in town, he often matched up against veteran Ronnie Stanley, and he often won.

Elsewhere, in the NFC North … here's what Graziano shared in his story:

Don't be surprised if … the Bears still trade for an edge rusher.

Don't be surprised if … Jameson Williams is the [Lions'] leading receiver.

Don't be surprised if …  MarShawn Lloyd takes the [Packers'] starting running back job and — pun intended — runs with it.

The latter two offer intrigue because Amon-Ra St. Brown has posted three consecutive seasons of at least 115 catches, 1,250 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. And, Lloyd, a third-round pick by Green Bay in 2024 has only played one NFL game due to multiple lower-body injuries.

Important storylines

Recently, new Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray was touted by The Athletic as one of the 26 most intriguing figures for the 2026 regular season. FOX Sports magnified the focus on Murray even more.

Ben Arthur on Tuesday classified "The Kyler Murray Experiment in Minnesota" as the NFL's No. 3 storyline in an article introducing 13 significant ones to monitor. Arthur's explanation is succinct:

Released by the Cardinals in the spring after seven seasons, Murray signed a one-year deal at the veteran's minimum with the Vikings and beat out 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy to become QB1. If the former No. 1 overall pick regains Pro Bowl form, Minnesota becomes a dark-horse contender to win the NFC North and one of the better teams in the conference.

Like we shared above with Turner, we will provide some additional context to Murray's experience so far in Minnesota. He had some of his finer moments in practice against Brian Flores' defense, and versus the Ravens when they were visiting, during 2-minute drills and working in the red zone.

Murray flashed chemistry with top wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings. There's also great excitement for the impact he may be able to make in the offense with his legs.

According to Arthur, here are other prominent storylines (listed in his order) to follow:

1. The Rams response to Super Bowl-sized hype

2. How Patrick Mahomes bounces back from knee surgery

4. How Caleb Williams and the Bears follow a magical 2025 season

5. How Jalen Hurts and Philly's new-look offense perform

6. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson's continued Super Bowl pursuits

7. Will the 49ers stay healthy?

8. Can the Cowboys finally put it all together?

9. Will the Bengals back up Joe Burrow's big talk?

10. How will Aaron Rodgers' final NFL season play out?

11. Will C.J. Stroud ever regain his rookie form?

12. How the Browns QB situation plays out

Click here to read Arthur's synopsis of each subject.

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