Vikings 7-Round 2024 Mock Draft: Minnesota waits until Day 2 to pick a QB

Second-Round Pick No. 1 (46th overall)

J.J. McCarthy - QB (Michigan)

Michigan's J.J. McCarthy may have to wait until the second round to be selected as the Vikings' quarterback of the future, or any team for that matter, unless he has an outstanding game against Alabama in this year's College Football Playoff.

Although McCarthy possesses several remarkable qualities, his current offense has not required him to do much, thus making it difficult to predict how he would perform when tasked with carrying an NFL franchise.

His lean frame raises concerns about his ability to endure hits and remain healthy throughout an NFL season, and his arm strength may also be lacking. However, pro teams will appreciate his ability to recognize defenses, trick opponents with his eye movements, throw players open, and make good decisions.

McCarthy is an ideal match for Minnesota's offense, which utilizes similar elements in their offensive scheme to that of the Wolverines and head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Kirk Cousins is expected by some to return to the Vikings in 2024, and if this happens, it would allow Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell to have enough time to develop McCarthy into his preferred franchise quarterback.

McCarthy will be just 21-years-old when he gets drafted next spring, leaving a lot of room for development and progress. So, it would actually be best for him to land with a team like the Vikings, where he can observe Cousins' play and learn O'Connell's system by sitting behind him for at least one season.