Watch: Vikings' Dallas Turner records first NFL sack in preseason action

The No. 17 overall pick wasted little time making an impact in his first game.

Aug 2, 2024; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings rookie linebacker Dallas Turner (15) warms up during practice at Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN. / Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

First-round pick Dallas Turner wasted little time showing the country on Saturday why the Vikings are so high on his ability and long-term potential. Playing with the starters to open Minnesota's first preseason game, Turner recorded a drive-ending sack of Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell in the red zone.

DALLAS TURNER!

The @Vikings 17th overall pick gets his first sack of the preseason 💪

📺: #LVvsMIN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/mPoFLuXGnW

— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024

Turner was able to beat Raiders left tackle Andrus Peat with speed off the edge and take down O'Connell despite what looked like a desperation jersey grab from Peat. That came three plays after Turner got a pressure and QB hit on O'Connell when he blew past Peat a first time.

Dallas Turner already getting active #Vikings pic.twitter.com/4RIYgaPRjK

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 10, 2024

That's an impressive first drive for Turner, who was the No. 17 overall pick in this year's draft. The Vikings gave up quite a bit to acquire the No. 23 pick from the Texans and then move up to 17 in a deal with the Jaguars to land Turner in April. But they felt the cost was justified because they viewed the rookie out of Alabama as a top-ten talent who happened to be available in the late teens.

Turner had 22.5 sacks and 32.5 total tackles for loss across three seasons at Alabama, including ten sacks as a junior in 2023. He has the size, speed, power, and length NFL teams covet in edge rushers. Turner is expected to play a major role for the Vikings this season and be in the mix for defensive rookie of the year honors.