With the tenth decide 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 begin his profession, McCarthy has labored to be accessible 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 can be ups and downs for him as a passer early on, given his lack of expertise passing at Michigan.
Obtained paired up with top-of-the-line HC conceivable 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 decide had a gifted backfield, and so they had been a run-heavy staff. 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 might throw the ball. On the NFL mix, McCarthy had a velocity of 61 miles per hour in his greatest throw.
Vikings All-Professional WR Justin Jefferson mentioned, “He positively has an arm,” when talking about McCarthy. That’s precisely what Minnesota followers need to hear forward of the 2025 season. One other space McCarthy should work on is layering his throws. It’s a ability all beginning QBs will need to 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 up the beginning job. His backup in 2025 will seemingly be former Commanders and Seahawks QB Sam Howell. He’s began 18 video games in his profession and generally is a mentor for McCarthy. The Vikings have roughly a month till coaching camp begins. We’ll see which QB works with the primary staff throughout that point.
