Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
We are getting a head start this year by looking at the talent projected to be available in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft. Why start in the summer? It’s a good way to see how the players grow from year-to-year and we will be looking at players from a Vikings perspective.
Right now, the Vikings will have seven draft picks in the 2024 NFL draft.
- 1st round
- 2nd round
- 4th round
- 4th round (via Lions)
- 5th round (via Chiefs)
- 5th round (via Browns)
- 6th round
Background
J.J. McCarthy
- School: Michigan
- Year entering: True Junior
- Height: 6030
- Weight: 197
- 247 Sports Recruiting Rank: Four-star (97 rating)
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Notes:
- Led Michigan to their second-consecutive College Football Playoff appearance
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Stats:
- Passing: 63.5% completion (242/381), 3,235 yards, 27 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
- Rushing: 97 attempts, 430 yards, 7 touchdowns
- Games watched: 2022 Maryland, 2022 Iowa, 2022 TCU
What does he do well?
As a dual-threat quarterback, McCarthy can run the football effectively, but it’s his ability to create and throw on the run that stands out. That ability allowed the Wolverines to design creative plays that showcased that ability.
McCarthy is very comfortable in the pocket and doesn’t panic. He looks poised no matter the situation.
The ability to create and throw on the run is a huge plus. He can fit it into tight windows along with throwing it deep down the field. McCarthy has both the accuracy to throw it to the right spot and the arm strength to drive it down the field.
McCarthy started as a true sophomore and showed some high-level savvy for the position. He understands how to hold the safety with his eyes and did so here waiting for the crossing route to clear him before making the throw.
His arm strength isn’t elite, but he can zip it in when he needs to. His arm allows Michigan to attack all three levels of the field.
Where does he need improvement?
You can tell that McCarthy is inexperienced as a starting quarterback. He will miss players dropped in coverage and that has led to interceptions, including two critical ones against TCU. This rep has a miscommunication on which pylon to go to, but throwing it to the close one was a very poor one.
You would like to see him improve his decision-making, along with how he throws the football. He doesn’t always have the right tempo on his throws, nor throw them with great placement.
Here, McCarthy sees that the safety is going to jump the wheel route, which is good, but when he tries to throw it back shoulder, he throws it with too much velocity and makes it uncatchable.
How does he fit with the Vikings?
The dual-threat ability is something that Kevin O’Connell is going to covet and McCarthy can do a little bit of everything. He throws with anticipation and can attack all levels of the field. Pair that with the ability to create and beat defenses with his legs and you have a potential franchise quarterback.
Where does he project to go?
At only 20 years old, McCarthy has all the talent in the world, but more experience will help him iron out his deficiencies. He doesn’t turn the ball over already, which is a great sign. Pair that with ability and continuity on offense and McCarthy can take a big leap this season.
Projection: Day two
