As promised by head coach Kevin O'Connell after last year's playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Minnesota Vikings focused on fortifying the trenches this offseason. A remodeling of the interior offensive line was completed by using their first-round pick on Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson.
Of course that upgrading of the offensive line was done within the No. 1 focus of this offseason for the Vikings. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is being set up to succeed as he steps in as the starter without a regular season pass attempt on his resume.
The skill position talent around the quarterback in Minnesota, of course interlaced with O'Connell's play-calling and general influence as a quarterback whisperer, resurrected Sam Darnold's career last season. All of that talent remains in place this year, with a couple notable additions in running back Jordan Mason and third-round pick wide receiver Tai Felton.
Ranking of Minnesota Vikings' pass catchers further proves how J.J. McCarthy is set up to succeed
Bucky Brooks of NFL Network and NFL.com has offered his ranking of the top-eight pass-catching groups in the league after the Dallas Cowboys traded for wide receiver George Pickens.
The Vikings' group of pass catchers certainly belong on the list, and they come in at No. 3.
"The Vikings have put J.J. McCarthy in position to succeed after remodeling the offensive line this offseason to pair with their supremely talented pass catchers on the perimeter. WR Justin Jefferson, WR Jordan Addison and TE T.J. Hockenson played a big part in resurrecting Sam Darnold’s career in 2024, helping the veteran produce gaudy numbers (4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns) in his lone season with the team. The sensational route-running ability of Jefferson and Addison enabled head coach Kevin O’Connell to tap into his creative side. He crafted exotic play designs that produced explosives on simple throws from the pocket. Though Hockenson lacks the pizzazz of his pass-catching brethren, the two-time Pro Bowler is the reliable target every quarterback needs between the hashes. With three elite pass catchers in the lineup, Minnesota’s offense should remain one of the league’s best in McCarthy’s first year as QB1."
Jefferson is in the conversation as the best wide receiver in the league, and Addison has been a nice No. 2 since he arrived as a first-round pick in 2023. Hockenson is further removed from the torn ACL late in the 2023 season that cost him the early part of last season, and a tight end like him is a quarterback's best friend.
Brooks put appropriate focus on the primary pass catchers for each team in his ranking. So he didn't even mention whoever winds up being the WR3 for the Vikings this year (Jalen Nailor, Felton or free agent signing Rondale Moore), and the supplemental production they are line to offer.
Entering the 2024 draft, many analysts saw the Vikings as the best spot for one of the incoming rookies to land. McCarthy lost his rookie season to a knee injury, but that idea generally remains as he enters his first year as the starter. If he fails, it won't be because the Vikings failed to sufficiently support him with surrounding talent.