ESPN Ranks J.J. McCarthy’s Supporting Cast Behind Caleb Williams’ and Daunte Culpepper’s…
The Minnesota Vikings have a new high-profile addition in J.J. McCarthy, drafted 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted quarterback in franchise history, surpassing Daunte Culpepper, who was picked 11th in 1999.
McCarthy joins a talent-rich offense. According to ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz, who ranked the best NFL supporting casts for rookie quarterbacks picked in the top 12 since 1990, McCarthy’s setup is impressive but not quite as strong as those for 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and Daunte Culpepper.
J.J. McCarthy’s Supporting Cast with Minnesota Vikings
The kids don’t know how good @criscarter80 was.
All he does is catch touchdowns!
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) April 30, 2024
McCarthy starts his NFL career with top-tier talent, including star receiver Justin Jefferson and promising second-year player Jordan Addison, who had 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie. Veteran receivers Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield add depth.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson posted a career-high 960 receiving yards last season despite missing two games. Running back Aaron Jones, coming from the Packers, adds strength to the backfield, with a solid performance history, including 1,121 rushing yards in 2022. Backup Ty Chandler also showed potential with 461 rushing yards in 2023. The offensive line is fortified by standout tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, setting McCarthy up for early success.
Schatz emphasizes the strength of McCarthy’s supporting cast, highlighting key players like Jefferson, Addison, Hockenson, Jones, Chandler, Darrisaw, and O’Neill, many of whom are considered among the best at their positions.
Historical Comparison of Rookie Quarterback Supporting Casts
Schatz ranks only Matt Leinart, Caleb Williams, and Daunte Culpepper ahead of McCarthy in terms of favorable rookie setups since 1990. Culpepper, who had the benefit of receivers Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Jake Reed, running backs Robert Smith and Leroy Hoard, and a Pro Bowl-caliber offensive line, ranks first.
Culpepper didn’t play in his rookie year but had an outstanding sophomore season in 2000, throwing for 3,900 yards and 37 touchdowns.
McCarthy’s Path to Starting
Currently, it’s uncertain when McCarthy will start for the Vikings. The team seems committed to letting him develop behind Sam Darnold. McCarthy is practicing as Minnesota’s QB3, and his role will be clearer as training camp begins in late July. When he does start, he’ll benefit from one of the league’s most talented offensive rosters and a quarterback-savvy head coach.
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