Who’s Gonna Break Out for the Vikings?

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images. The Minnesota Vikings’ regular season is about four months away, and sportsbooks believe Kevin O’Connell and friends will win eight or nine games. Who’s Gonna Break Out for the Vikings? The roster still has a long way to go before 53-man refinement, but when the time arrives, Minnesota will need some breakout players to emerge. The tendency happens every year, and a couple of examples from 2024 include defensive tackle Jalen Redmond and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. before that. So, we asked a handful of devout Vikings fans who might break out in 2025, and these were their replies. Question to fans: Who’s one player you envision as a “breakout player” for the Vikings this season? Please exclude rookies, and provide a sentence or two. 1. Jalen Redmond (DT) Predictor: RedNPurple | @rednpurple 77 Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) is unable to stop Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) from scoring a touchdown during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin via Imagn Images. It’s just a feeling — that guy has something with him. If he puts it together, the Vikings have someone really special on our hands. 2. Aaron Jones (RB) Predictor: Ivan, Czar of Bounks | @up4discussion_7 Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota running back Aaron Jones (33) celebrates his touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The breakout player will be Aaron Jones, as funny as that is. J.J. McCarthy will draw off the middle linebackers, the beefed-up offensive line will help in the run game regardless, and Jones has a lot of doubters to prove wrong. t3. Mekhi Blackmon (CB) Predictor: Bruce Johnson Oct 29, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (5) breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) in the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Sports. My favorite question each preseason. I firmly believe this, but you may not like it because it’s the obvious answer: Mekhi Blackmon. And the good news is that no position would be more helpful to the team’s success in having a breakout player than cornerback. So, yes, I am all in on this upcoming season. t3. Mekhi Blackmon (CB) Predictor: Eric Horstman Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (5) celebrates his interception against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports. I see Mekhi Blackmon as the Vikings’ breakout player this year. I think defenses will pick on him a lot, being the most inexperienced, but he’ll take advantage of the opportunities and prove to be a very solid starting caliber CB. t4. Dallas Turner (OLB) Predictor: Tadd | @st7Cubs Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota linebacker Dallas Turner (15) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images. Some fans have been quick to throw the “bust” label on Turner, but I’m expecting very good things from Turner, with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah already confirming a bigger role for him this season. t4. Dallas Turner (OLB) Predictor: Steve Berglund Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates a sack with linebacker Dallas Turner (15) during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images. Dallas Turner is my pick to break out this season. Year two in Brian Flores‘ system, increased opportunity with Patrick Jones leaving. Kid’s got all the athletic ability and skills that you want. Double-digit sacks this season. t4. Dallas Turner (OLB) Predictor: SKOL Tom | SKOLfromWI Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) and defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) celebrate after a stop on third down to force a Georgia Bulldogs field goal attempt at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports The only possible answer here is Dallas Turner, and I don’t think anyone can really debate it. Even though we extended Van Ginkel, I expect, based on everything Kevin O’Connell has said, that Turner will have a much bigger role this season and beyond.