Vikings' J.J. McCarthy compared to Pro Bowl QB

For a piece published on Monday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic explained how private quarterbacks coach John Beck has repeatedly compared Minnesota Vikings rookie signal-caller J.J. McCarthy to a one-time Pro Bowl selection. 

"The very same things that made (former head coach) Mike Shanahan like Jay Cutler and take him as a first-rounder are going to be some of the things people in this (coaching tree) will see when he comes out of college," Beck said about McCarthy all the way back in 2021.

According to Pro Football Reference, Cutler holds multiple Chicago Bears franchise records for a tenure that spanned from 2009 through the 2016 season. However, he posted a lackluster 1-1 playoff record during his career.

McCarthy's alleged draft stock became one of the most discussed football-related topics of March and April. Some analysts said before the night of April 25 that the Washington Commanders could take McCarthy via the second overall pick, while others believed he wouldn't get past the New York Giants at choice No. 6. 

In the end, the Vikings moved up a spot to get McCarthy at selection No. 10 after the Giants and Atlanta Falcons (pick No. 8) passed on the national champion. 

"He has a combination of arm strength, being able to drive balls to certain locations on the field, tied together with the ability to utilize athleticism in the keeper and play-pass game," Beck told Lewis about McCarthy.

McCarthy reportedly wanted to end up with the Vikings, and at least one analyst thinks the two will be great for each other. With that said, it's unclear if the first-year pro will be a Week 1 starter this September. 

Minnesota signed veteran Sam Darnold in March and could have him serve as a bridge option at the position for some or even all of the 2024 season. 

"You have so many good things in J.J. McCarthy," Beck remarked. "Don’t rush the recipe. Don’t hurry through trying to get this cake baked and out of the oven as fast as you can."

As of Monday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed McCarthy fourth among the betting favorites at +800 odds to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award for the upcoming season. Beck reminded everybody that the rookie will struggle throughout springtime workouts and training camp as he learns about life in the NFL. 

"Failure during some of these camps should be welcomed with open arms," Beck added. "Try to fit the ball in, and if you can’t, you can’t. Your decision-making (experience) grows. Your ability to know what you can and can’t do grows."