Fresh Alabama linebacker reminds Vikings coordinator of his previous one

Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores will work with first-round draft pick Dallas Turner for the first time on Friday, as the Vikings begin a three-day rookie minicamp.

During a video interview on the NFL team’s official website, Flores was asked if Turner reminded him of any of the players he had coached.

“The name that comes to mind, and he was another Alabama player, is Dont’a Hightower,” said Flores. “Big, swift, physical, with tremendous characteristics and intangibles, and strong leadership. This is the name that springs to mind. I’d say he’s slightly faster than Hightower.”

A consensus All-American for the Crimson Tide. Hightower spent his whole career with the Patriots after being selected as a first-round linebacker in the 2012 draft, 12 years before Turner received the accolade in 2023.

Flores spent the first seven seasons of Hightower’s career on New England’s defensive staff, first as the safeties coach, then as the linebackers coach, before becoming the Miami Dolphins’ head coach.

Others have compared Turner to Hightower.

“People keep comparing him to Will Anderson,” former Alabama coach Nick Saban said during ESPN’s coverage of the NFL draft. “He is more like Dont’a Hightower. He went inside, then outside, and we stood him up; he’s a fantastic rusher and can fill gaps inside, so I believe his adaptability is incredible.”

Turner felt flattered by the comparison.

“Being compared to an Alabama legend like Dont’a Hightower, Super Bowl champion, it’s a blessing, for sure,” Turner stated. “At first, his flexibility at the University of Alabama reminded me of mine. But Dont’a is that man, for sure.”

According to Flores, Turner will enter the NFL as a Saban-coached defensive player.

“He’s fast,” Flores added. “He is physical. He’s always sprinting to the ball, seeking to wreak havoc on whoever gets it. And it is also Coach Saban’s system, and many of the players who have come out of it do an excellent job of comprehending the game, circumstances, and playing quickly. Dallas undoubtedly does these things.”

Turner joined Minnesota as the 17th selection in the draft on April 25.

The Vikings entered the first round with the 11th and 23rd choices. They sent the 23rd and 167th picks in this year’s draft and third- and fourth-round selections in the 2025 draft to move up six spots to take Turner.

Flores said he had not expected Turner to be available when Minnesota chose at No. 11. The Vikings took Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with that pick.

Flores was asked what he liked about Turner.

“That was really more what didn’t we like,” Flores said. “Obviously, very talented, but there are traits and intangibles, acumen with this young man that we really, really coveted. …

“Dallas has a mature, professional approach that leads you to believe he’s going to make the most of every opportunity that’s presented to him.”