With the tenth choose within the 2024 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings drafted QB J.J. McCarthy out of Michigan. He was anticipated to compete with Sam Darnold for the beginning job in 2024.
Nonetheless, McCarthy tore his proper meniscus within the preseason and missed all 17 video games final yr. Regardless of that small setback to start out his profession, McCarthy has labored to be out there for 2025. Subsequent, we’ll check out why Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy is able to be their starter this upcoming season.
J.J. McCarthy has the traits of a long-term beginning QB within the NFL
This JJ McCarthy throw throughout Vikings OTAs is filthy. He can whip it, however there shall be ups and downs for him as a passer early on, given his lack of expertise passing at Michigan.
Obtained paired up with the most effective HC possible for his improvement. pic.twitter.com/9N0pElmlt4
— Chase Senior (@Chase_Senior) June 6, 2025
Popping out of the NFL draft, one concern for scouts was J.J. McCarthy’s arm expertise. At Michigan, the first-round choose had a proficient backfield, they usually had been a run-heavy crew. That left questions on McCarthy having the ability to make all of the throws in an NFL route tree. Moreover, scouts had been skeptical of how far he may throw the ball. On the NFL mix, McCarthy had a velocity of 61 miles per hour in his finest throw.
Vikings All-Professional WR Justin Jefferson mentioned, “He undoubtedly has an arm,” when talking about McCarthy. That’s precisely what Minnesota followers wish to hear forward of the 2025 season. One other space McCarthy should work on is layering his throws. It’s a talent all beginning QBs should have to reach the NFL. Talking to the media, McCarthy mentioned he’s experimenting with throws “each single day.”
Heading into the 2025 season, there are not any threats on the Vikings’ roster to overhaul McCarthy. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has not dedicated to a starter for Week 1. Nonetheless, all indicators level to McCarthy taking on the beginning job. His backup in 2025 will doubtless be former Commanders and Seahawks QB Sam Howell. He’s began 18 video games in his profession and is usually a mentor for McCarthy. The Vikings have roughly a month till coaching camp begins. We’ll see which QB works with the primary crew throughout that point.
