EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has sparked plenty of discussion as he gears up for his first full season. The questions are varied: Can he lead this team to Super Bowl LX in February? Or does his smaller stature and perceived weaker arm make him a risk for the long-term starting role? These contrasting opinions have permeated conversations, particularly given McCarthy’s limited experience — he missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus and hasn’t yet faced a regular-season snap.
However, McCarthy’s progress over the past 14 months since being selected as the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 draft paints a picture of a player who’s growing and adapting. His offseason has been anything but quiet; he’s thrown countless passes, faced various competitive scenarios, and learned through a mix of successes and even some mistakes.
“It’s been awesome,” McCarthy shared, speaking about his development during training. “They’ve really pushed the limits on just what I can handle, and that’s what I asked for. I’d rather sweat in training and limit the bleeding on the battlefield when we get there.” This ethos reflects the determination he’s bringing into the upcoming campaign.
As the countdown continues with only 33 days until the quarterbacks report to training camp, let’s break down five key takeaways about McCarthy, a player the Vikings envision as a long-term solution under center.
1. Arm Strength Under Scrutiny
Heading into the draft, McCarthy’s arm strength was the subject of debate, despite clocking a noteworthy 61 mph throw at the combine. He even claimed to have launched a pass 78 yards into the wind. But it’s important to note that arm strength encompasses more than just raw velocity. The real query is whether McCarthy can effectively execute all the necessary throws in an NFL offense. Based on his performances, the answer seems to be yes.
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson succinctly remarked, “He definitely has an arm. That’s for sure. He can zip it whenever he needs to.” What’s more, McCarthy has shined with vertical throws, although he did face scrutiny for a few interceptions during training, which appeared less about arm capability and more related to timing and decision-making.
“A lot of [the public doubt] just comes with the stigma of playing at Michigan and not throwing the ball a lot,” McCarthy reflected. “But at the end of the day, it’s going to show up and the people that know, know.”
2. Developing Throwing Variety
As Jefferson pointed out last summer, McCarthy tended to rely on a singular throwing style; he delivered every pass with a similar velocity and straight trajectory. In contrast, seasoned quarterbacks like Sam Darnold have honed their skills to adjust their throw style based on the circumstance — a critical trait in the NFL.
This spring, McCarthy has taken real strides in diversifying his throwing techniques. He likened his growth to a baseball pitcher refining his approach in spring training. A key moment came when he threw to receiver Jordan Addison down the seam, a pass that required the receiver to slow down, a tactical error that highlighted a need for refinement.
McCarthy articulated his goal: “I believe I’ve grown the most on just the different level of trajectories of throws… I’m just working on that two-ball and different paces to the ‘pitches’ and ball location.”
3. Natural Charisma and Leadership
While having a magnetic personality isn’t a guarantee for success on the field, it certainly helps. At just 22 years old, McCarthy stands out as one of the youngest veterans on the roster, yet he has drawn praises from both defensive and offensive players for his engaging character.
Veteran safety Harrison Smith expressed how much he enjoys McCarthy’s presence: “He’s a guy that I enjoy being around a lot.” This connection seems to foster camaraderie within the team. McCarthy has adopted an energetic demeanor during practice, mingling with teammates during drills, and even took the time to learn the names of the reporters covering the Vikings.
“The thing I learned about myself,” he said post-minicamp, “is just the weight that I hold every single day and just showing up, being the same guy every single day, bringing that attitude, effort, and energy.”
4. Job Security and Competition
The Vikings have brought in quarterback Sam Howell, acquired via a trade, and he has been regularly rotating in second during drills, which hints at his standing on the depth chart. Yet, there’s no indication that Howell is poised to challenge McCarthy’s position. Coach Kevin O’Connell noted that Howell is navigating his own growth in the system as he and McCarthy share similar learning curves.
O’Connell praised undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, admitting, “I think Max is as smart as any young player that I’ve been around,” indicating that while competition exists, McCarthy has a solid grip on the starting role.
5. The Path to Mastery is Still Growing
O’Connell is steering clear of prematurely declaring a starter amidst the hype. He acknowledged the need for time and practice — comparing it to the “10,000-hour rule” emphasizing that mastery takes dedication and repetition.
“I feel really good about where he’s at fundamentally,” O’Connell stated, recognizing McCarthy’s potential while stressing the importance of consistent effort. He encourages McCarthy to embrace the learning process, challenging him daily to elevate his game.
There’s a palpable buzz surrounding J.J. McCarthy as he heads into this pivotal season. While some may doubt, others see a player determined to prove that he has what it takes to become the Vikings’ quarterback for years to come. As he rounds the corner into training camp, all eyes will be on how he leverages this offseason progress into real-game scenarios. The potential is there — now it’s time to see if he can tap into it fully when the lights shine brightest.
