J.J. McCarthy

J.J. McCarthy posted the third-highest adjusted completion percentage in the nation (80%) in 2023. McCarthy's throw air time below an expectation also ranked first in the class (-0.13). This is determined by throw distance and the quarterback's footwork when throwing. Per Sports Info Solutions a lower number is better, because throws of the same distance are taking less time to get to the target.
Given the analytics background of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, I am not surprised that Minnesota selected J.J. McCarthy in the 1st round, who is only 21 years old. I'd expect McCarthy to match or even exceed Williams/Daniels in terms of team success and post strong passing numbers. He might not be a true fantasy difference-maker without rushing, but can he be a fringe backend fantasy QB1 in full Brock Purdy fashion? Yup.

The Minnesota Vikings have selected QB J.J. McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Fantasy Impact

The Vikings traded up with the Jets to make the pick and select their quarterback of the future. The full terms of the trade are the Vikings receiving picks 10 and 203 and the Jets receiving 11, 129, and 157. McCarthy improved his draft stock with a stellar 2023 season for Michigan. He will benefit from a talented group of pass catchers already established on the Vikings’ roster.