Minnesota Vikings' First-Round Picks Display Mixed Results at First Pitch
ICARO Media Group
The Minnesota Vikings' first-round picks, J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner, recently took to the mound to throw the first pitch before the Minnesota Twins hosted the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. However, their performances were less than stellar, indicating that their future in Major League Baseball (MLB) might be questionable.
Videos circulating on social media captured McCarthy's attempt at the first pitch, revealing a lackluster display of his throwing skills. Unfortunately, he was not the only Vikings player to struggle with the pitch. Former Alabama pass rusher Dallas Turner also had a challenging time on the mound.
Turner jokingly mentioned on his Instagram Stories that he did not have enough time to warm up before the pitch. He shared a clip of his own throw, which appeared to be less accurate than desired. The videos quickly gained attention, highlighting the players' less-than-ideal pitching abilities.
These light-hearted moments come amidst a busy offseason for the Vikings' organization. J.J. McCarthy, fresh off a championship run with the Wolverines, is currently competing with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold for the starting position after Kirk Cousins' departure to the Atlanta Falcons earlier this year.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell recently stated that Sam Darnold would lead the upcoming training camp as QB no. 1. However, O'Connell refrained from speculating on what this would mean for the regular season. While the team has not released an official depth chart, Sam Darnold has stood out with his performance during the spring, taking advantage of the competitive situation.
Although McCarthy and Turner's first pitch attempts may have left much to be desired, the focus remains on their skills on the football field. As the upcoming season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate seeing how these first-round picks will contribute to the Vikings' success.
As the Vikings prepare for their training camp next month, the competition for the starting position continues to intensify. With both McCarthy and Darnold vying for the coveted role, it remains to be seen who will ultimately secure the spot. The quarterback battle will undoubtedly be a focal point for the team and its fans as they eagerly await the start of the season.
In the meantime, McCarthy and Turner's amusing but lackluster first pitch attempts serve as a reminder of their off-field endeavors and provide a lighthearted moment amidst the rigorous offseason preparations.