Vikings Acquire J.J. McCarthy with No. 10 Overall Pick: Five Things to Know
The Minnesota Vikings made a bold move on Thursday night, trading up one spot to the No. 10 overall pick to select quarterback J.J. McCarthy from Michigan. McCarthy is the fifth quarterback taken in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and brings a wealth of talent and experience to the Vikings.
Dominant Winner
McCarthy has been a highly successful quarterback throughout his career. In his two seasons as the starter at Michigan, he led the Wolverines to a 27-1 record, including a national championship in 2022. He also boasts a perfect 15-0 record as a starter last season.
Athletic Potential
Despite his young age, McCarthy possesses exceptional athleticism. He is a mobile quarterback who can extend plays with his legs and has rushed for over 630 yards and 10 touchdowns during his college career.
Accurate Passer
McCarthy is known for his accuracy, completing 72.3% of his passes last season, a Michigan program record. His ability to consistently hit his targets will be a valuable asset to the Vikings’ offense.
Younger Than Expected
McCarthy is the youngest of the first-round quarterbacks, turning 21 years old in January. This gives him plenty of room for growth and development as he enters the NFL.
Unlikely Destination
McCarthy’s selection by the Vikings came as a bit of a surprise, as he had been heavily linked to the New York Giants throughout the pre-draft process. However, the Vikings were able to trade up and secure the quarterback they believe can lead their franchise to success.
