TRADE: The Minnesota Vikings Move Up to No. 10 and Get Their Quarterback of the Future
Folks, it’s happened.
For the first time in franchise history, the Minnesota Vikings have selected a quarterback with a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft. Their pick? Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
The Minnesota Vikings Select J.J. McCarthy
Let’s start with the trade. Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Vikings sent Nos. 11, 129, and 157 in exchange for Nos. 10 and 203.
As for McCarthy, he has made sense as the choice for the Vikings from the beginning. Drake Maye’s price point was always going to be very high, and obviously, Minnesota simply wasn’t willing to part with what New England wanted in order to select him.
Instead, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah decided to sit patiently and watch as McCarthy fell down the board. As a result, he was able to land his QB of the future without forfeiting any first round draft capital.
McCarthy is a surgeon with his passing ability. He delivers accurate passes at all three levels of the field, and this accuracy is an area that has improved in each season he’s spent in the Michigan offense. The velocity on his throws allows him to fit passes into tight windows downfield. He leads his receivers well, allowing them to pick up yards after the catch as well.
On top of his throwing ability, McCarthy has a knack for maneuvering around the pocket. He has the athletic ability to take off and pick up yards with his legs when production breaks down. This certainly isn’t something he does a ton of, but it’s a useful skill to have in his back pocket.
Of course, some will point to the fact that he wasn’t asked to do as much in Michigan’s run-heavy offense. However, the Vikings are hoping that Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler can stabilize their running game this season, and McCarthy will have a much easier time making passes to Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson than he did with any of his Wolverine receivers.
After Minnesota watched Kirk Cousins walk in free agency, it became abundantly clear that they needed to make a plan at the quarterback position. Of course, Sam Darnold could still serve as a bridge option to begin the year, but the Vikings have their QB answer.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.