The Minnesota Vikings chose Alabama All-American outside linebacker Dallas Turner with the 17th selection in the NFL Draft on April 25 so he could rush the passer, not cover receivers.
Entering Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, the rookie had been targeted only six times in coverage, giving up four receptions for 36 yards, during his 235 snaps on the field with the Minnesota defense.
But on Sunday, Turner was in coverage on tight end Noah Fant when he picked off quarterback Geno Smith’s first-and-10 pass from the Seattle 30-yard line. Turner’s 4-yard interception return put the Vikings at the Seahawks 31 with 5:42 left in the first half.
Minnesota turned Turner’s first career interception into a field goal by his former Alabama teammate Will Reichard as the Vikings took a 17-7 lead with 3:33 left in the first half.
Turner became the 10th former Alabama player with an interception his NFL season, joining Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch, Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe, Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson.
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