The Minnesota Vikings felt very fortunate that quarterback J.J. McCarthy, someone they had their sights set on, fell to them in last week’s NFL Draft.
They were rumored to be looking to trade up in order to draft McCarthy, whose stock had risen considerably in the weeks leading up to the draft.
But McCarthy was also the most polarizing prospect in the draft, and LeSean McCoy even said the Vikings are the “biggest losers” in the draft because he’s not convinced McCarthy can win games for his team on his own, per Dov Kleiman.
LeSean McCoy says the #Vikings are the biggest losers of the draft for taking JJ McCarthy:
“What shows you that JJ McCarthy can win games for you with his arm. Watching his tape, nothing jumps off saying we have to add this dude.”
(h/t @StateOfHoppy)
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 2, 2024
At the University of Michigan, McCarthy played in a run-heavy offense under head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has since moved on to the Los Angeles Chargers, which has made some doubt his QB skills.
His numbers were underwhelming in college, yet he did get Michigan to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where it defeated the University of Washington.
On the other hand, in Minnesota, he will have plenty of weapons that will help ease his transition to the next level.
The Vikings boast Justin Jefferson, who, when healthy, could be the best wide receiver in football, as well as an excellent WR2 in Jordan Addison, who is coming off a very strong rookie campaign.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson is one of the league’s better tight ends, and veteran running back Aaron Jones has come from the Green Bay Packers to provide support in the backfield.
A good rookie year from McCarthy could end up sending the Vikings back to the playoffs right away while silencing critics such as McCoy.
