With the tenth overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings draft JJ McCarthy — quarterback out of Michigan, after trading up one spot with Jets. McCarthy was widely viewed as one of the best quarterbacks in this draft class and a truly can’t-miss prospect. Let’s take a look at what JJ McCarthy brings to the .
JJ McCarthy NFL Draft Profile 2024
JJ McCarthy
Position: QB
Height: 6’2 1/2″
Weight: 219 lbs
Age: 21
College: Michigan
J.J. McCarthy Highlights
JJ McCarthy Combine Results
He only participated in two drills while attending the BFL Combine. Below are his results:
| 3-Cone Drill | 6.82 Sec |
| 20-Yd Shuttle | 4.23 Sec |
JJ McCarthy Scouting Report
Strengths
While at Michigan, JJ McCarthy ran a pro-style offense that required him to play under center. He will be able to transition well to the NFL in which most offensive schemes require the QB to operate from under center. He does well at going through his progressions and can make tight window throws against zone schemes which is a valuable trait to possess.
He showed how efficient he is able to play when placed into the right offensive scheme and structure. If he lands in a place such as Denver or Minnesota, with a good offensive play caller and scheme, he will be able to orchestrate the offense the way his coach wants. You won’t have to worry about him trying to create plays off script and turning the ball over. He has great ball security which makes him such a valuable prospect to coaches who rely heavily on their schematics to score points.
Weaknesses
McCarthy played on one of the most stacked college football teams of recent memory. The amount of talent that surrounded him at Michigan raises concern on whether or not he can elevate teammates in the NFL. He was rarely forced to ever play from behind during college as well. This is very similar to what we saw from Mac Jones during his transition from Alabama to the New England Patriots.
What to Expect From J.J. McCarthy in 2024
What J.J. McCarthy immediately brings to Minnesota is leadership and a winning player. For a franchise like the Vikings that is in desperate need of new culture, there may not be a better player in this draft to bring that culture than McCarthy. Running a Pro-Style offense at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh, McCarthy should be able to transition to the NFL a little bit easier than other quarterback prospects. Kevin McConnell will be able to use McCarthy and mold him to the desired quarterback to lead the team. In 2024, there are going to be ups and downs, but with McCarthy excelling at ball security, 2024 could be a strong development year for McCarthy to make the jump in 2025.
