Brooks ascertained that Minnesota’s perimeter weapons – namely Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison (Jalen Nailor is in the mix, too, and 2025 third-rounder Tai Felton is in line for some work) – make the game easy for their quarterback. He also highlighted a super productive tight end in T.J. Hockenson, and imagined re-upped RB Aaron Jones, Sr., and free-agent addition Jordan Mason, who was acquired via a trade, toting the rock in tandem.
Brooks advised McCarthy should operate like “a pass-first point guard directing an intricate half-court offense” in order to thrive in the ways that many envisioned he could during the 2024 pre-draft process.
Brooks continued, remembering the 2024 10th overall selection’s strong track record:
McCarthy has already demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice individual stats for team success as a collegian (SEE: 27-1 record at Michigan with a national title), and that certainly made him an attractive prospect for evaluators who value “winners” at the position.
In summary, Brooks said the play of McCarthy will determine whether Minnesota reaches its ceiling and seriously competes for a ring, but he is extremely fond of the environment surrounding the young QB.
“Consequently,” stated Brooks, “I believe this wild card will come up aces.”
Check out Brooks’ notebook-styled story on McCarthy here.