In order to be a top-tier contender like they were last season, the Vikings need second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy to prove them right for going all-in with him. After Sam Dar

Minnesota Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy is reportedly off to a slow start in OTAs, sparking national debate about his NFL readiness. Despite early struggles, insiders say the team remains confident in his progress heading into training camp.

Over the 14 months since the Vikings made him the No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft, McCarthy has participated in 18 days of training camp, 15 OTAs, three days of rookie minicamp, six days of veteran minicamp and one preseason game. That body of work is big enough to make some informed judgments, at least for those who have witnessed them.