J.J. McCarthy has yet to play an NFL snap. However, his impressive collegiate career, combined with the Minnesota Vikings‘ infrastructure, has PFF excited for his return in 2025.
He may have operated a run-first offense at Michigan, but PFF says McCarthy performed at a high level when asked to. Despite now leading a pass-first offense in Minnesota, PFF says he is in a system that will allow him to flourish. PFF calls McCarthy one of five NFL “stars” set to return in 2025.
The Vikings have built a strong supporting cast around him at the skill positions and along the offensive line. McCarthy posted an elite 90.6 PFF grade in his final season at Michigan, and Minnesota is banking on him making an immediate impact as the team aims to stay atop a competitive NFC North.
It’s challenging to label an NFL player a “star” before they’ve even played, and McCarthy didn’t win a Heisman in college. But he may be in the perfect place to unleash his potential in the NFL.
He gets to throw to the likes of Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison. The offensive line should be improved. And if Jordan Mason can play anything like he did in San Francisco, the Vikings should have a strong 1-2 punch at running back to take the pressure off McCarthy when needed.
We still have to see it on the field. But with quarterbacks and rookies set to report to training camp in Minnesota this Sunday, we’re inching closer to finally seeing if McCarthy is up to the task.