The days are gone – except perhaps in Green Bay – when an NFL team drafts a quarterback early and waits years for him to develop behind an established veteran.
The blueprint now is for top draft selections to step in as soon as possible and endure a trial by fire.
Coaches and GMs simply do not have the lifespan to wait on a first-round choice to learn the skills it takes to succeed in the NFL.
Such is the case with the Minnesota Vikings and former University of Michigan star J.J. McCarthy.
A preseason game for Minnesota is still a month away, and the clock is already ticking on when Vikings fans will see him leading the offense in an NFL game.
The Purple Persuasion reported via Dan Graziano that McCarthy may indeed be the Vikings’ Week 1 starter if he connects with certain team targets.
Graziano told SportsCenter the team has a very detailed and specific developmental plan tailored to J.J. McCarthy, and if he checks all the boxes “he could be the week one starter.”
Per @DanGrazianoESPN via @SportsCenter, if J.J. McCarthy hits certain benchmarks by certain dates, he could be the week 1 starter 👀
“[The Vikings] have a very detailed and specific developmental plan tailored to J.J. McCarthy… if McCarthy hits certain benchmarks by certain… pic.twitter.com/SJ3D0FsZ12
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 1, 2024
The analyst added that the coaching staff is “happy” with handing the ball to Sam Darnold until McCarthy proves he is ready to lead the team.
Darnold has been an NFL bust by any measure, but he has the raw skills and experience to hold down the fort until McCarthy is ready.
And if Darnold succeeds beyond expectations, the No. 10 draftee may gain more time on the sidelines for the game to slow down and get a firm grasp on the intricacies of the professional offense.
But don’t count on it.
