QB J.J. McCarthy of the Michigan Wolverines was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. To get him, they had to move up one slot. This offseason, McCarthy was one of the most divisive draft candidates. Even though he is only twenty-one, there have been rumours that he was ranked as high as number two among the Washington Commanders. With the Michigan Wolverines, J.J. McCarthy won a National Championship the previous season. He completed 72.3% of his passes for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions in 15 games with Michigan last season. Along with rushing for three touchdowns and 202 yards on 64 carries, he also averaged 3.2 yards per carry.
Many people were claiming that Michigan’s roster the previous season was loaded with talent. Behind him he had an excellent running game, a formidable offensive line, and a strong defensive unit. McCarthy’s NFL experience will be very different in 2024 and beyond. J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings has not yet taken any snaps with the first team offence, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis discussed on Wednesday what he witnessed during the first week of the Minnesota Vikings training camp. Among the things he observed was that J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback for the Vikings, had not yet played with the starting offence. Lewis continued, saying: Throughout the first week, he has primarily thrown to receivers Jalen Nailor, Lucky Jackson, and Trishton Jackson. His workings appear more refined than they did in the spring. Tossing to the left? Not a persistent issue. Shaving it down to the bone? Tuesday afternoon, against the starting defence, McCarthy made a 50-yard pass down the field to Trishton Jackson.
He hasn’t, however, been flawless. He floated a handful of tries towards the sideline on Tuesday. Right now, it’s about holding the same base and timing against a pass rush. According to head coach Kevin O’Connell, progress rather than perfection is the aim. McCarthy has bonded with teammates with ease. He ran across running back Aaron Jones on the pitch after practice on Monday and struck up a conversation with the latter’s small son. McCarthy hit Lucky Jackson with a fade pass in the red zone on Tuesday. McCarthy discovered Jackson after he dropped the ball and gave him a quick pat on the helmet.
It will be intriguing to watch whether J.J. McCarthy plays with the starting offence at some point. Watching him chuck passes to wide receivers Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson would be entertaining. McCarthy will be the team’s backup quarterback for the time being.
Sam Darnold is expected to lead the Minnesota Vikings against the New York Giants from the field in Week 1. Head coach Kevin O’Connell may eventually start J.J. McCarthy in camp with the first team, but Minnesota is being shrewd in this instance.
Leave a Reply