The Minnesota Vikings selected University of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick of the NFL Draft last Thursday, filling their need under center.
McCarthy is probably the most polarizing player in this year’s draft class.
While some laud McCarthy’s intangibles, others have expressed serious concerns over his physical limitations heading into the NFL.
However, an NFL scout tells the NFL Analysis Network that he is expecting big things from McCarthy as he moves into his professional career.
“The Vikings are set at quarterback,” the scout said. “J.J. McCarthy is a winner and there is so much room for more growth. Honestly, I think he’s good enough to win the Rookie of the Year award this season. With the weapons he has in Minnesota, he’s in for a monstrous rookie year.”
McCarthy is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he led Michigan to a national championship and threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 72.3 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 202 yards and three scores.
The 21-year-old is certainly entering a solid situation with the Vikings, as he will already have a dynamic receiver duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to utilize in the aerial attack.
Minnesota went a somewhat respectable 7-10 this past year, and that was with Kirk Cousins sidelined for half the season with a torn Achilles.
Perhaps McCarthy can step in and add a couple of more wins to get the Vikings back into playoff contention.
Of course, Minnesota is playing in one of the league’s most difficult divisions in the NFC North, so it may be difficult for McCarthy early on.
We’ll see if J.J. McCarthy can prove his doubters wrong come September.
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