As the Minnesota Vikings worked on a contract extension for Christian Darrisaw, head coach Kevin O’Connell shared his vision for the promising left tackle, hoping he would help improve the entire offense in the long run.
In the short term, the focus has been on testing Dallas Turner during each intense training camp practice.
The Vikings have high hopes for Turner, the 17th overall pick in the draft from Alabama, who could make a significant impact as a rookie in the NFL.
This includes quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick added during a crucial offseason for the team and for the careers of O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as they enter their third year together.
“Dallas loves football, so every day is a new day. He always has a smile on his face, but it’s not a smile that I would recommend taking as giddy or taking things lightly. It’s a smile that he has bad intentions to do some things on a daily basis,” O’Connell said this week. “It’s one that I’m OK seeing because I get to wear a whistle and a polo shirt.”
Darrisaw has been teaching Turner about professional pass protection, but Turner has also had his moments to shine in practice at the TCO Performance Center.
“He’s going to be a great rusher, and every day we’re making each other better,” Darrisaw said. “He’s a smart kid. He wants it all, and you can tell every day he comes out here giving his all.”
Darrisaw has taken a liking to Turner, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 247 pounds and often talks with the 21-year-old after practice to discuss techniques and strategies. Turner is also eager to share his advice.
