Analyst highlights concerns about Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy

Perhaps no other quarterback selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft has more questions than No. 10 pick J.J. McCarthy. Recently, longtime analyst Greg Cosell emphasized one glaring concern that might slow the ex-Wolverines' progress with the Minnesota Vikings. 

The NFL favors strong throwers, a quality that Cosell did not observe in McCarthy's game film. 

"It required a lot of effort for him to make throws that were relatively routine," Cosell said on the "Ross Tucker Podcast." "You could see his whole body getting involved in delivering the football. He needed a firm base to throw the ball. He needed everything to be right to deliver the football and he had to work to throw it." 

Of this year's robust quarterback draft class, McCarthy's rise up the board may have been the most surprising. 

Leading an undefeated Michigan program to the national championship, McCarthy showcased impressive athleticism and a pro-ready skill set that only improved his stock as the draft process progressed. Ultimately, that buzz led the Vikings to trade up a spot from No. 11 to draft him. 

However, like Cosell, many were apprehensive about his average to slightly above-average arm strength, lack of experience and whether or not the high level of talent on the Wolverines made him look better than he was. 

While Cosell conceded that McCarthy may have improved his strength and throwing mechanics between the national championship game and now, he believes his arm limitation put him squarely in the "development quarterback" category. 

The truth about McCarthy's game is probably somewhere in the middle. As Cosell hints, the former Michigan product may need a year or two of seasoning — a luxury the franchise might grant him.

Despite selecting him with a top-10 pick, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah recently told ESPN that they didn't plan to "rush" McCarthy's development. Instead, the Vikings will likely hand over the starting reins to veteran and former No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold, who will undoubtedly act as a bridge to the rookie once he's ready.