Vikings' Justin Jefferson raves about Kyler Murray amid J.J. McCarthy competition

Earlier this spring, Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson suggested that 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy having to compete with free-agency signing Kyler Murray for the starting quarterback job this summer could ultimately prove to be a positive for McCarthy regarding his overall development. 

During a Monday appearance on local radio station KFAN FM 100.3, Jefferson hinted that he has thus far liked what he has seen from Murray during springtime workouts.

How Justin Jefferson sees a little bit of himself in Kyler Murray

"He understands the game," Jefferson said about Murray, per Trevor Ripley of Heavy. "He understands the defenses. He understands how to put touch on the ball, just enough to where it gets to where it’s gotta go, without making it difficult for us. He understands the game a lot more just because he’s been in the game for years now. He kinda throws the ball before you even get out of that break… he’s a smart guy, and he’s a competitor just like me." 

Murray reportedly outperformed McCarthy throughout the bulk of OTA practices open to media members. While McCarthy allegedly "made strides" as it pertains to improving his overall mechanics from where he was this past January, it has seemed to outsiders that Murray will be penciled in atop the depth chart when Minnesota's mandatory minicamp begins on Tuesday. 

For an article published on Monday, ESPN's Kevin Seifert noted that "most observers expect Murray to win the job." 

"He’s fast, he’s quick, he can extend the play a lot more," Jefferson added about Murray. "I’m looking forward to seeing that up close and personal. I was always a fan of him in Arizona."

Justin Jefferson not giving up on J.J. McCarthy yet

While Jefferson seems excited about the thought of having Murray start Minnesota's Week 1 game versus the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 13, it sounds like the wideout isn't ready to declare a winner of his team's quarterback competition quite yet. 

"I’m looking forward to J.J., seeing his improvements and different things that he’s picked up over the offseason. I’m excited for the competition," Jefferson added during the show segment. 

It remains to be seen if the competition involving McCarthy and Murray will run through at least Minnesota's preseason opener at the New York Giants on Aug. 15.