As expected, the Minnesota Vikings moved up in the 2024 NFL Draft to select their preferred quarterback of the future. But defying all expectations, they didn’t move up as far as they had planned. And they did not give up the capital that they had anticipated.
Minnesota Vikings Select JJ McCarthy
In a trade with the New York Jets, the Minnesota Vikings selected Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy. To acquire McCarthy’s rights, Minnesota sent their 11th overall pick, a fourth-round pick, and a fifth-round pick to the Jets for picks the 10th overall pick and 6th-round pick.
It was long speculated that the Vikings would try to move into the top five to guarantee that they could obtain the quarterback of their choice. As the dominos started to fall, it became apparent that McCarthy was their overwhelming choice.
McCarthy joins a crowded Minnesota quarterback unit. The Purple also have assumed starter Sam Darnold and backups Nick Mullens and Jared Hall. The dye is probably cast regarding Hall’s continued presence on the team.
JJ McCarthy Will be Schooled by O’Connell and McCown
The logical goal for Vikings’ coach Kevin O’Connell is not to throw the rookie into the fire too quickly. This means that Darnold will have to play at least adequately to keep McCarthy in his learning phase,
The hope is that the Michigan alum will have the opportunity to learn under the tutelage of O’Connell and the new Vikings quarterbacks coach, NFL veteran Josh McCown.
Before the draft, McCarthy said of O’Connell on Adam Schefter’s podcast, “It would mean the world just because Coach O’Connell, he’s a guy that I’d run through a brick wall for.” The rising talent will now get that chance, as the Vikings have already made a heavy commitment to McCarthy as their future leader.
Some early reviews of the trade and draft selection suggest the Vikings made the wrong choice for their future quarterback. The critics say that he is more of a field general than an explosive playmaker. Only time will tell. For now, the Vikings are very pleased with their pick.
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Greg Simbeck covers a variety of topics for Total Apex Sports. Greg has covered sports, public affairs, and entertainment for numerous publications over the years.
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