The Minnesota Vikings were long linked to a quarterback after veteran Kirk Cousins left in free agency. Mock drafts in the offseason had them moving up all the way to pick No. 2 to get their guy, but really Minnesota just had to move up one spot with the New York Jets. At No. 10, the Vikings drafted Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The reigning national champion lands in a good spot, but can he transition to the next level and be fantasy-relevant?
Minnesota Vikings, QB, J.J. McCarthy fantasy football outlook
McCarthy hasn’t had as much experience as the other quarterbacks in this class, so he is more of an unknown. Minnesota signed Sam Darnold as a free agent, so there is the possibility of McCarthy sitting for a few weeks to begin the season and learning behind Darnold. He only had two years starting at Michigan, but was able to throw for 5,710 yards with 44 touchdowns to only nine interceptions over 29 games.
J.J. McCarthy’s supporting cast
McCarthy arguably has the best supporting cast around him of the rookie quarterbacks taken in the first round. Barring any trades by the Vikings, he will primarily be throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Aaron Jones will join McCarthy in the backfield and eventually will see a boost to his targets when tight end TJ Hockenson is healthy. Even if the Vikings move Jefferson, they should either get enough draft capital to replace him or they have enough faith in Addison to continue developing.
Where should J.J. McCarthy rank among QBs in fantasy football?
Rookie quarterbacks typically do not do well in redraft leagues. Even with his supporting cast, McCarthy should be the second or third-highest-ranked rookie quarterback, so he likely needs to be left undrafted for redraft leagues.
Dynasty leagues is where McCarthy has upside. As long as he isn’t a bust and can develop, he needs Minnesota to re-sign Jefferson to a new contract and will have two of his best options in the passing game under contract for the entirety of his rookie deal. Team needs in your rookie drafts will likely make this pick fluctuate, but it feels like McCarthy could be a late first-round pick, depending on how the board falls.