Top Insider Hearing JJ McCarthy Starting To Look Like Familiar Face

Word throughout the pre-draft process was the Minnesota Vikings were trying desperately to trade up in the 1st round of the 2024 draft. Their target was North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. Unfortunately for them, the New England Patriots got there first. That left them with only one alternative. They did a pick swap with the New York Jets to ensure they secured Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy. He would compete with Sam Darnold for the starting job in training camp. Optimism was high.

As time has gone on, people have started to wonder if McCarthy might’ve gone higher than he should’ve. That is what veteran insider Adam Caplan said on Sharp Football Analysis. People he trusts told him McCarthy was a 3rd round talent. There wasn’t really anything special about him. He was a capable player, but nothing about his game stood out. What might make Vikings fans the most nervous is the player comparison he used. It is not the name you’d want to hear in such a situation.

JJ McCarthy better hope he’s not another Kenny Pickett.

Everybody knows how that unfolded. The former 1st round pick flamed out in Pittsburgh after two years. He’s already entered backup status in the league. The good news is McCarthy has a way better situation in Minnesota. They have two stud wide receivers in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Head coach Kevin O’Connell is also a solid offensive play caller. Most 1st round quarterbacks never walk into situations that good. Still, the Vikings drafted him that high to win a Super Bowl. It doesn’t sound like he’s close to where they want him yet.

After all, he isn’t even the projected starter. That honor goes to Sam Darnold, a former 1st round bust who has become a journeyman. It isn’t the best thing when a guy you traded into the top 10 for can’t outpace somebody on his fourth team. One cannot overlook the singular fact nobody wants to address. There might have been a reason Michigan didn’t let JJ McCarthy throw a lot. Sure, they were a run-first team, but that shouldn’t have stopped them from still getting their QB 30+ throws per game. Across two seasons as a starter, he did that only six times.

Something to keep in mind.