The Minnesota Vikings picked Michigan’s quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. What many didn’t know, however, is that J.J. was already sold on becoming a Viking long before draft day. Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt shared an interesting insight during Michigan’s spring game:
“When I covered Michigan’s spring game for Fox a couple of weeks ago, I ran into McCarthy… I asked him where he wanted to end up. He told me that he wanted to end up in Minnesota, saying he would ‘love’ to play for the Vikings.”
Minnesota Vikings Land J.J. McCarthy Amid Draft Speculation
J.J. McCarthy’s draft stock had been the subject of heated speculation throughout the spring, with pundits predicting various outcomes. The Washington Commanders were considered contenders for the second pick, while others thought the New York Giants or the Vikings might secure J.J. with an early pick.
Ultimately, the Giants chose to strengthen their receiving corps by picking LSU’s Malik Nabers at sixth overall, leaving the Vikings to trade up one spot to land J.J. at No. 10.
#Vikings new QB J.J. McCarthy is 63-3 since high school 👀
All he does is WIN 🔥pic.twitter.com/Rd2HVjyq2w
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) April 29, 2024
A Quarterback Competition in Minnesota Vikings
Now that J.J. McCarthy has joined the Vikings, attention shifted to the quarterback competition ahead. Veteran Sam Darnold, who joined the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent, is considered an ideal bridge quarterback who could give J.J. time to develop as a backup. However, Klatt is confident that head coach Kevin O’Connell will mold J.J. into a quick starter:
“McCarthy is hyper-competitive and really skilled,” Klatt said. “The Vikings are going to see a guy who can win them football games right away, partly because of what he does on the field, but also because he’s such a strong leader. He went 27-1 as Michigan’s starting quarterback, making plays in key moments where prior Michigan teams failed.”
J.J. McCarthy’s Rookie Year Outlook
The Minnesota Vikings have high hopes for J.J. in his first year. He brings a winning pedigree and clutch playmaking ability from Michigan to a team looking for a leader at the quarterback position. DraftKings Sportsbook lists McCarthy as fourth among the betting favorites for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award at +800 odds. Klatt is bullish on J.J.’s potential:
“He’s in a really good situation with the Vikings,” Klatt stated, pointing to McCarthy’s dynamic skill set and his opportunities to excel in Minnesota’s offense.
The 2024 season will reveal if J.J. can live up to his draft promise and establish himself as a worthy successor for the Vikings. Fans eagerly await what he will bring to the field in his quest to become the new face of Minnesota football.
