Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is turning heads without even taking an NFL snap.
Despite being the youngest and least experienced among the six first-round quarterbacks from the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy landed an impressive No. 21 spot in Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) quarterback rankings ahead of the 2025 season. He ranked third among his draft peers, trailing only Jayden Daniels (No. 6) and Bo Nix (No. 19), yet notably placed ahead of Drake Maye (No. 22), Michael Penix Jr. (No. 23), and even No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams (No. 24).
McCarthy, 22, entered the league with just 713 college pass attempts — far fewer than the average 1,422 attempts logged by the other first-round QBs. He also missed his entire rookie year due to a meniscus injury, while Sam Darnold delivered a Pro Bowl-level season for the Vikings, further limiting McCarthy’s opportunities.
Still, PFF’s John Kosko remains high on the former Michigan standout.
“I’m leaning on my personal evaluation here, as I had McCarthy as the top quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft,” Kosko wrote. “We didn’t get to see him as a rookie, but his 2023 season at Michigan — where he earned a 92.2 overall PFF grade and a 93.4 passing grade — highlighted everything you want in a young passer. If he’s fully healthy in 2025, McCarthy is set up to succeed.”
McCarthy was placed in Tier 4 of the rankings: “Young players with a wide range of potential outcomes.” The ranking signals belief in his upside and fit within head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system, which could allow McCarthy to ease in with a conservative approach before unlocking his full playmaking ability.
While Caleb Williams boasts elite talent and the tools of a No. 1 overall pick, Kosko suggests McCarthy may offer a steadier hand — at least to start — making him the safer bet entering 2025.
What do you think? Does McCarthy deserve to be ranked ahead of Williams? Comment below.
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