Once rumored as high as No. 2 overall, J.J. McCarthy lasted until No. 10 overall – and, more surprisingly, QB5 in the draft – before the Vikings traded up one pick to nab him. McCarthy will now join Sam Darnold in the QB room with an elite weapon in Justin Jefferson helping ease the transition for the former Michigan Wolverine.
J.J. MCCARTHY
- McCarthy is perhaps the most controversial of the highly touted QB prospects. He wasn’t asked to do much at Michigan, as the Wolverines could simply lean on their defense and rushing attack to win games. He was efficient when called upon – the thing is that he just wasn’t called upon as much as some of the other top prospects. He quite literally did not attempt a pass in the second half of Michigan’s win over Penn State. Still, the numbers paint the picture of an efficient player with above-average mobility who has experience leading a winning team, and scouts noted his consistency and winning attitude throughout the process. He may not be a Week 1 starter in the NFL – although he very well could be – but his draft capital means fans likely start calling for him at some point. McCarthy is a pretty uninspiring fantasy option as a rookie, but he probably will play at some point, which is interesting enough to warrant consideration in best ball.
- McCarthy’s legs present some fantasy intrigue and he’ll be a starter at the end of the season when the games are the most important. Still, he’s likely a QB2 at best once he gets the nod. We’ll see if he starts Week 1 or not – seems up in the air right now. We are projecting him for nearly all of the passing share in MIN right now, but that’s subject to change.
VIKINGS PASS-CATCHERS
- A more NFL-ready option like Jayden Daniels would have been preferable, but that always seemed like a pipe dream. Darnold isn’t the worst bridge QB in the world, and McCarthy’s efficiency at Michigan, even on low volume, inspires some optimism. Jefferson and Jordan Addison face a far worse QB situation than last year with Kirk Cousins, but there is hope at least. Jefferson is good enough to be a top-five WR regardless of who’s at QB, and Addison should get plenty of targets, especially with T.J. Hockenson unlikely to play early in the season.
- Hockenson’s return could come roughly when McCarthy is inserted into the starting lineup. It’s hard to be too excited about him as a fantasy asset in 2024 with the QB situation and coming off such a horrifying injury that likely takes a good chunk of the year away from him.
