Key Takeaways:
– The Minnesota Vikings, who own the No. 11 overall selection for the NFL Draft 2024, are likely to add to their quarterback room behind Sam Darnold.
– ESPN’s Matt Bowen sees Michigan’s quarterback J.J. McCarthy fitting well with the Vikings’ game plan.
– McCarthy’s impressive performance at the NFL Combine and leading the Wolverines to a national title have increased his draft stock.
– The Vikings have a high chance of securing a top-four QB prospect if they can trade into the top five of the draft.
Vikings Consider Drafting J.J McCarthy
With the NFL draft 2024 around the corner, the Minnesota Vikings are considering adding a formidable player to their quarterback room to support Sam Darnold. According to Matt Bowen of ESPN, the Vikings are viewed as the ‘favorite team fit’ for the Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, which they could acquire without making a costly move up the draft board.
McCarthy’s Fit with the Vikings
The potential addition of McCarthy to the Vikings pit could complement Kevin O’Connell’s defined passing game. His strong performance last season, completing 76.3% of his play-action passes with a Total QBR of 90.4, makes him a perfect fit for the Minnesota-based team. McCarthy’s ability to make plays outside the structure, combined with his agile running skills, adds to his attractiveness as a potential long-term starter for the Vikings.
Hurdles in Landing McCarthy
Despite Bowen’s assertion, securing McCarthy may not be a smooth sail for the Minnesota team. His stock has significantly risen since his successful stint leading the Wolverines to a national title in January, and his performance at the NFL Combine was impressive. The heightened interest for a franchise quarterback in this year’s draft could make it challenging for the Vikings to land him without trading up.
Potential Risks and Trade Scenarios
The road to acquire McCarthy is not free of potential snares. ESPN’s Field Yates suggests that if Minnesota can trade into the top five of the draft, they might be able to secure a top-four QB prospect, though there is no assurance that this player would be McCarthy. Yates predicts that Minnesota could trade pick Nos. 11 and 23 this year along with an additional 2025 first-rounder to the Chargers to move up to No. 5 and select McCarthy. The move would be a significant bet on McCarthy’s potential to be their long-term solution, with Darnold there for 2024 if McCarthy needs some adjustment time.
Inflating McCarthy’s Draft Value
With several teams on the scout for a franchise quarterback in this draft, some tactics could inflate McCarthy’s value and complicate the Vikings’ plans. For instance, recent reports suggest that the Patriots’ public interest in McCarthy could be a ploy to drive up the price for the No. 3 spot, indirectly impacting the Vikings’ negotiation position.
In conclusion, securing McCarthy in the draft comes with its challenges, but the potential reward immensely outweighs these potential pitfalls. The Minnesota Vikings undoubtedly see the value of this strategic move, and their fans will be keenly watching the team’s tactics in the upcoming NFL draft 2024.