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3 Observations: J.J. McCarthy, Justin Jefferson & Offense Focus on Growth; Fast-Paced Defense; Vikings Newcomers

May 28, 2025 at 04:43 PM

Craig Peters

Senior Editor

EAGAN, Minn. — There was little shortage of interest in the first open OTA practice of the 2025 Vikings offseason.

Throngs of media filled the sidelines of Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center's Indoor Practice Facility Wednesday to capture their first glimpses of J.J. McCarthy on the field since suffering a torn meniscus in his first career preseason game last August.

McCarthy threw passes (albeit in a helmet and shorts) and executed handoffs during 7-on-7 drills and some non-contact 11-on-11 sessions.

He also continued growing in Head Coach Kevin O'Connell's system, appreciating valuable time to develop above-the-neck aspects of playing the sport's hardest position.

"In the 7-on-7 space, I think you can really get a feel for, 'Is a guy reading with his feet? Is he taking the right drop? Is his base and body and balance positioned to the throws and sequence of the drop in the proper place? And did he make the throw? And then was it accurate?' And then you can kind of coach backwards from the ending of the play," O'Connell explained when asked about assessing progression. "Then there's a lot of things, like, 'Did the other guys do their jobs?' And that's why it's so great to have the participation of Justin [Jefferson] and Jordan [Addison] and T.J. [Hockenson], and we've got a group out there and guys that know what they're doing, so they can give him some real-time feedback, as well.

" 'Hey, I know you [went elsewhere with the football], but hey, I'm going to win at the top of this route, regardless of the leverage.' That's something he's going to get used to hearing from No. 18 (Jefferson) early and often. Little things like that," O'Connell added. "It's just you can't put that — you can't measure the importance of those things. But then, today was a little bit more decisive than yesterday; Friday will be the same, and there'll be just growth and growth."

O'Connell said the Vikings are approaching these sessions by having a "significant amount of offense" in the practices.

"We'd be doing a disservice if we try to work real slowly with the material and plays," O'Connell said. "The better thing we can do is throw a lot at the group, see who's handling what, because we've got other new guys in all three phases that we're trying to see. 'Where are they going to slot and fit when it comes to the competition phase in the fall.' "

Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:

1. Pace-INT-ing around the ball

O'Connell emphasized the importance of not placing too much weight on outcomes of plays at this point in the calendar.

There was good for the Vikings and bad on the very first snap of 7-on-7.

McCarthy targeted Jefferson on his first pass but the ball looped up slightly, and Byron Murphy, Jr., knew just what to do. He came in and contacted the football, which went right to linebacker Ivan Pace, Jr., for an interception.

Pace also was able to knock a ball out before Aaron Jones, Sr., completed a catch and surged through the line of scrimmage on a blitz during 11-on-11 action.

McCarthy did lock in with multiple other receivers and dropped one in the bucket to Jefferson for a touchdown later in the practice.

2. O-line combo

The Vikings spent considerable time and energy in remaking the offensive line this offseason.

New center Ryan Kelly manned the pivot and was joined on his left by first-round pick Donovan Jackson.

Blake Brandel, who started at left guard in 2024, moved to right guard, where free agent addition Will Fries is projected to start. Fries is on the mend from a broken leg he suffered last season.

It was no surprise that Brian O'Neill manned the right tackle spot, but instead of Christian Darrisaw, who is recovering from a knee injury in Week 8 last season, it was veteran newcomer Justin Skule at left tackle for the first grouping of offensive linemen.

3. Defensive newcomers step right in

The Vikings defense continues to evolve under Brian Flores.

Two things stood out, despite again adding multiple newcomers to the mix and utilizing varied groupings and formations: the smoothness in communication before the snap and the group speed during the plays.

Up front, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave began their teamwork that is designed to reach full force once the pads go on.

Veteran cornerback Jeff Okudah was involved early in coverage, lining up opposite of Murphy in a 7-on-7 grouping that also included Pace and Blake Cashman at inside linebacker, Andrew Van Ginkel on the edge, and Harrison Smith and Theo Jackson at safety. (CB Isaiah Rodgers and all-arounder Joshua Metellus were not at the voluntary session). Jay Ward also logged some work in filling in for Metellus.