This year’s incoming rookie class of quarterbacks is thought to be the best one in recent memory, at least in terms of potential.
There are the three main headline-makers — Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye — but there are also J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix.
McCarthy has been seen as a somewhat polarizing prospect, and NFL Films producer Greg Cosell said McCarthy is “not ready” and that “he’s got a lot of work to do,” per The Purple Persuasion.
“Hes got a lot of work to do…” says @gregcosell on #Vikings rookie QB JJ McCarthy.
He goes on,
“There’s a lot to work on fundamentally and mechanically. He’s a guy that actually has a strong arm but doesn’t play as if he has a strong arm because there’s so many issues that… pic.twitter.com/VgBzGjEUEv
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 21, 2024
The Minnesota Vikings traded up to No. 10 to nab McCarthy shortly after losing four-time Pro Bowl QB Kirk Cousins in free agency, and they’re hoping McCarthy will be their next legitimate franchise signal-caller.
However, the team will likely go with Sam Darnold as it’s starter under center, at least for now.
While McCarthy helped lead the University of Michigan to a win in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in January, he played in a run-heavy offense under Jim Harbaugh, which has led some to doubt he can thrive in the NFL.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell utilizes a pass-heavy offense that ranked fourth in pass attempts and 28th in rushing attempts in 2023.
The team also has definite weapons in wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
If McCarthy puts in the work needed to become a good player at the next level, perhaps he can earn the Vikings’ QB1 spot by sometime in November or December or ,at the very least, the 2025 season.
