J.J. McCarthy is a perfect fit for Vikings and the Michigan football QB will excel early
The Minnesota Vikings have never won a Super Bowl. Hell, they haven't been to a Super Bowl since the 1970s, but that could change after their selection of Michigan football quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Doubt him all you want, the kid is a winner. Michigan football hadn't won a national championship since 1997 before he arrived. And yes, he didn't do it alone. Not by any means, but Michigan football doesn't win it all without him.
McCarthy was the missing piece. He allowed the Wolverines to end their losing streak in Columbus. He lost one game as a Michigan football quarterback and it was in the College Football Playoff.
As far as Minnesota, the Vikings made a brilliant move. The Vikings are still looking for their next Fran Tarkenton and they got it on Thursday night by trading up to draft McCarthy.
McCarthy is a perfect fit for Minnesota
The 6-foot-3, 219-pound quarterback has an underrated arm and athleticism. People forget he had the fifth-fastest 3-cone drill of anyone in the draft. He also runs probably a 4.5, when he's completely healthy.
I disagree with the analysts that say he can't make some of the wow throws that Drake Maye and Caleb Williams can make. Those dudes are talented, don't get me wrong, but McCarthy has ever throw in his arsenal. His deep ball could use a little work, but imagine him throwing the ball to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison? He's also got T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones, one of the best receiving running backs in the NFL.
The Vikings are going to be dangerous and McCarthy is going to take the league by surprise next season. With those receivers, he's got the chance to be really good, really fast and I don't think it will take long for people around the NFL to realize they made a mistake by passing on him.
He's special and that doesn't even get into all the leadership stuff or the intangibles. Here's one thing the Vikings said about drafting him:
"His emotional intelligence is a superpower. ... Around his teammates, there's a — honestly, I would describe it as a love. I asked all of them a question reflective of who they are. He talked about love."
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J.J. McCarthy is an incredible person. He's also an incredible quarterback and my prediction is that by the time he's done, Vikings fans will have finally forgotten about Fran Tarkenton.