Vikings Draft 2024: Midseason stock report on Vikings prospects
By Luke Parrish
J.J. McCarthy - QB (Michigan)
J.J. McCarthy entered the season as a contender for the QB3 spot in this draft class, and sure enough, he has grabbed ahold of that spot, in my opinion. While he has yet to face any true tests just yet, McCarthy has flashed a ton of arm talent and looks much improved from last season.
Michigan is going to experience a difficult stretch in the next few weeks, with Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State all remaining on their schedule. That will be the ultimate opportunity for McCarthy to separate himself from the pack and be the clear QB3.
One big factor for McCarthy right now is the age difference between the players behind him. Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix are both 23 years old, and while they are shredding defenses, the PAC-12 allows a much better offensive showing than what the Big Ten typically offers. McCarthy, age 20, has looked very impressive against tougher defenses in his career.
From a Vikings perspective, McCarthy is probably going to be much more attainable in a trade up than Drake Maye and Caleb Williams. He is not quite on the level of the other two prospects, but he has the arm and mobility to entice teams to come and get him without sacrificing too much of the future.
As of today, McCarthy is my QB3 and is trending as the Vikings' selection in several mock drafts. Minnesota would be a remarkable fit for him, given the offensive line and weapons around him, and I would fully expect the Vikings to make an effort to go and get him in April.
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