After suffering a torn meniscus last August, J.J. McCarthy has become the forgotten member of the potentially historic 2024 quarterback class.
The young signal-caller won a National Championship with the Michigan Wolverines and was looking to be the Vikings' starter as a rookie before the untimely injury.
McCarthy had a setback to the knee that required a second surgery, but all signs point to the 22-year-old starting the campaign under the center for the Vikings, a team that just went 14-3 in his absence.
Despite losing last year's QB1, Sam Darnold, and having an inexperienced option under center, one FS1 analyst projects Minnesota to have an even better 2025, thanks to their blue-chip gunslinger.
On a recent edition of "The Herd," Jason McIntyre gave a stunning prediction for McCarthy and the Vikings' upcoming campaign: they’ll make the NFC Championship Game in January.
"I am telling America I'm all in on McCarthy and the Vikings," McIntyre said. "They will play in the NFC Championship this year—I'm all in on this team. Aaron Jones won't stop talking about McCarthy—Jim Harbaugh loves McCarthy. The team of destiny this year is the Vikings."
McCarthy came into the draft as a raw prospect who benefited from a smash-mouth Michigan offense that bullied opponents on the ground. He's still largely unproven as a passer and hasn't had time to fully develop at the next level.
This summer will be integral for his maturity in the pocket. If he can prove he can read professional defenses, his athleticism and accuracy are promising enough to carry the rest of the load, but that's far easier said than done.
McCarthy has top-10 quarterback traits but will likely have to suffer from some growing pains. Minnesota fans should pump the brakes on lofty first-year expectations.