Development is a key part of the quarterback position in the National Football League. Sometimes, talent is enough to overcome circumstances and surroundings. For most, having great surroundings is paramount.
The Minnesota Vikings understand that more than just about any organization. They have seen it all with the quarterback position, except for a quarterback selected in the top 10 of the NFL Draft. They changed that with the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting J.J. McCarthy at 10th overall.
Before they made the selection of McCarthy, the Vikings ensured that the infrastructure was sound around McCarthy and it stood out to PFF’s Dalton Wasserman. He named it the biggest reason for optimism when it comes to the Vikings’ success in 2024.
J.J. McCarthy was one of the most polarizing players in this year’s draft class. Even those who doubt his talent can’t deny the talent around him in Minnesota. Justin Jefferson, with a contract extension in hand, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones and a top-10 offensive line is as good a supporting cast as a rookie quarterback can have.
Add in that the Vikings got an elite pass-rushing talent, Dallas Turner, in the draft and picked up two other solid edge players, Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard, in free agency, and you have a quietly ascending defense under Brian Flores’ leadership. There is absolutely a world where McCarthy leads Minnesota to the postseason in his first year at the helm.
Ultimately, the Vikings might not have to worry about McCarthy playing in 2024. Sam Darnold has made a major impression on the Vikings so far this year and was just named as the top quarterback on the roster by Kevin O’Connell.
Even though the infrastructure might not help McCarthy in year one, it certainly will down the line and make a difference with Darnold in 2024. Could the Vikings be a surprise team in 2024? They certainly could with the talent on the roster.
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