The Minnesota Vikings selected Michigan’s National Champion J.J. McCarthy with the tenth overall pick in this year’s draft to eventually replace Kirk Cousins as quarterback. Although Sam Darnold is expected to fill the role in the interim, McCarthy has consistently impressed his new teammates and coaches since being drafted.
A veteran team member recently highlighted what makes McCarthy stand out.
The Purple Persuasion posted a video on X featuring Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman praising McCarthy during an appearance on The Green Light with Chris Long. Cashman said, “He’s a student of the game. Eager to learn. He’s eager to lead, which it doesn’t matter how old you are. I mean, the kid’s 21, but if you’re going to be the quarterback, you have to be the face and leader of the football team. He understands that.”
Last season at Michigan, McCarthy completed 72.3 percent of his passes, throwing for 2,991 yards and 22 touchdowns with only four interceptions, following a previous season with 22 TDs and five picks.
He only threw more than 30 passes in a game once last season, and if the Vikings’ offense remains similar to the one under Cousins, McCarthy will need to adapt to a higher passing volume in the NFL.
McCarthy demonstrated the talent and composure that justified his top-ten selection, and Vikings fans should be excited about their new quarterback, just as Cashman is.
Leave a Reply