(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Just a couple of months ago, several NFL experts predicted J.J. McCarthy would have the most immediate success of all rookie quarterbacks entering the league.
He was walking into a favorable position, as the Minnesota Vikings feature a QB-friendly system with Kevin O’Connell and have a solid offensive line and arguably the best wide receiver in all of football.
However, it seems like that’s not going to be the case at all.
Most reports from OTAs and training camp have pointed out that the Michigan product isn’t ready to take the field yet, and the Vikings all but confirmed that as well.
As pointed out by Ari Meirov on Twitter, the Vikings have officially listed Sam Darnold as their starter in their first official depth chart.
Notably, they have McCarthy and Nick Mullens tied for the backup spot.
The #Vikings have listed Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback on their first unofficial depth chart. JJ McCarthy is tied with Nick Mullens for the backup spot. pic.twitter.com/EI1KSlqWwX
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 6, 2024
McCarthy was thought to be an NFL-ready prospect.
He had spent years in a similar environment by playing under HC Jim Harbaugh.
Nonetheless, it seems like the Vikings are going to play it safe with their prized rookie.
Truth be told, this shouldn’t be that big a surprise anyway, as the Vikings wouldn’t have paid Darnold $10 million if they didn’t expect him to be a starter.
Darnold isn’t that old, and while the production hasn’t always been there, the talent has, so they could definitely do a whole lot worse with a stopgap at the quarterback position.
Also, it’s not like things are set in stone yet, and there’s always a chance that McCarthy will play at some point in the season.
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