No One Happier the Vikings Got Dallas Turner Than Coach Kevin O’Connell

The Minnesota Vikings had a very active first round of the NFL draft. First they traded up one pick and took Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy with the 10th overall pick. Then a short time later they traded up again, this time moving from 23 to 17 to take Alabama defensive end Dallas Turner. The later move came as a surprise to many people, including head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Cameras were rolling in the Vikings draft room when general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah told O’Connell the good news and his reaction was hilarious. In fact, everything about this brief interaction was entertaining.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 26, 2024

First, there’s Adofo-Mensah playing it cool. He doesn’t make a big deal about getting the trade done. He just quietly tells O’Connell, “Turner. We’re getting him.” Very matter-of-fact. Like telling your spouse you remembered to pick up milk on the way home.

Then there’s O’Connell’s reaction which looks an awful lot like a kid finding out there’s one more present hidden behind the tree on Christmas morning. Except it’s a pass rusher.

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This was one more zoom from being ripped straight from The Office. This is clearly a player that the team desperately wanted and O’Connell’s reaction says it all.