Vikings Rumors: Rivals Debated If McCarthy Would've Had Best Year of 2024 Rookie QBs

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will miss his entire rookie season after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus, but before he went down with the injury, many reportedly were expecting big things from him.

The Athletic's Jeff Howe called McCarthy's torn meniscus "a tough one to swallow" because "prior to the injury, rival coaches and executives debated whether the Michigan product would've had the best season among the six first-round rookie QBs."

The No. 10 pick in this year's draft, McCarthy was the fifth quarterback taken following Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and Michael Penix Jr., and just ahead of Bo Nix.

Before he suffered the injury, McCarthy impressed during his lone preseason appearance when he threw for 188 yards, two touchdowns and an interception while completing 11 of his 17 passes against the Las Vegas Raiders.

There was speculation that McCarthy could beat out veteran Sam Darnold for Minnesota's starting quarterback position, but the injury allowed Darnold to win the job by default.

The Vikings are hopeful that a year on the sidelines will benefit McCarthy in the long run, as he has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone that can help shape the team's future.