JJ McCarthy Fantasy Impact
National Champion Quarterback JJ McCarthy was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. After losing long-time starter Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, Minnesota had to do all they could to ensure they find their future quarterback. They even had to trade up just one spot to do so (with the New York Jets).
McCarthy wasn’t typically regarded as someone who would stand out on the stat sheet, but he is a proven winner. McCarthy finished his collegiate career with a 27-1 record starting for the Michigan Wolverines under legendary coach Jim Harbaugh. At Michigan, he threw for 6,226 yards with 49 touchdown passes to 11 interceptions. It’s important to note that McCarthy scored 10 touchdowns on the ground throughout his career there.
Although McCarthy was the 5th QB taken in the 2024 NFL Draft, one could argue that he landed in arguably the best situation. He gets to learn from well-known QB guru in their head coach, Kevin O’Connell while also teaming up with the leagues superstar receiver, Justin Jefferson. It doesn’t stop just there either, the Vikings have a plethora of weapons on the offensive side of the ball with newly acquired RB Aaron Jones, WR Jordan Addison, and TE TJ Hockenson. If McCarthy is able to beat out quarterback Sam Darnold in training camp, he has plenty of weapons around him to have an encouraging rookie season.
It couldn’t be a better scenario for the rookie quarterback.
According to StatsMuse, here are the top 5 best rookie quarterback seasons of all time.
- Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers, 2011)
- Justin Herbert (San Diego Chargers, 2020)
- Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins, 2012)
- Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals, 2019)
- Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts, 2012)
Now, it’s important to note that all of these quarterbacks were top-5 NFL draft picks and top prospects in each of their classes, and I don’t necessarily think that JJ will have a top 5 all-time fantasy season — but I do think one could make an argument that the situation itself surrounding his rookie season is much better than all of these. It is clear from the NFL Draft Content that the Vikings fell in love with JJ and were extremely excited to select him. If McCarthy wins the starting job this summer, Kevin O’Connell will have a plan that best utilizes his type of play in this offense.
McCarthy is noted as tough, gritty and an all-around winner by many.
However, for fantasy football, what encourages me alongside this premier situation is McCarthy’s ability to score using his legs. It’s no secret that quarterbacks who can throw and be effective in the ground game tend to be amazing for fantasy purposes. Through his two full-time starter seasons at Michigan, McCarthy ran for 508 yards and 8 touchdowns. His ability to be effective in the redzone also entices me for fantasy purposes. Whether JJ runs it in or not, he will have plenty of options to throw to get the job done.
McCarthy is definitely a prospect and sleeper option to keep an eye on as we progress through the NFL offseason. He may not be a complete lock to open the season just yet, as it seems there will be an honest competition between him and QB Sam Darnold. This will be a news story to follow for months to determine his true quarterback ranking and Value.
Not only could McCarthy have his own standalone QB value for fantasy purposes, but I believe that his presence and addition to this team will also help those around him. This is great news for Justin Jefferson, Addison, Hockenson and this Minnesota Vikings offense.
McCarthy comes from one of the most prolific college programs and has been coached by the legendary Jim Harbaugh; he now lands in a prime position to have a great NFL Career. He is a name that I will certainly be following this training camp because he has a lot of fantasy options around him as well, and his progress and performance will have a direct influence on their production as well.
Although WR Justin Jefferson is that good, he is quarterback-proof and will dominate with whoever is under center.
