The J.J. McCarthy era is beginning for the Minnesota Vikings. After Sam Darnold had a strong Pro Bowl season for them last year, he moved on to join the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, opening the door for McCarthy to take the keys to the engine.
McCarthy, who was the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, missed all of last year due to a meniscus injury. But he will be starting under center this fall, and he will have some potent weapons at his disposal.
No one knows right now how good he will be, or even if he will make it as a viable NFL QB1. But Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips gave him some glowing praise by comparing him to Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills.
"He reminds me of Josh Allen when I was with him in Buffalo, coming into his own and understanding the power that he has to lead this organization," Phillips said.
McCarthy threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 72.3% of his pass attempts in 2023, his final season at Michigan. That year, he led the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff National Championship.
However, while there, he played in a smashmouth offensive system under head coach Jim Harbaugh, which made some doubt whether he could succeed in the modern-day pass-heavy NFL.
The Vikings are certainly a team that likes to fling the football downfield. They boast Justin Jefferson, who is in the conversation for the best wide receiver in the game. They also have other potent weapons at the skill positions, including wideout Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones.
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