Picture a politician at a parade, high-fiving, fist bumping and conversing.
Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune on Thursday analogized that scene to how Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy conducts himself – asking questions, listening and engaging with coaches and teammates.
In this article, which acts as an examination of McCarthy's general curiosity and easily recognizable talent, Scoggins quipped that the "A" in OTA (Organized Team Activity) might as well stand for "absorption," since the 22-year-old passer has "become a human sponge" across offseason practices.
Of course, that's probably expected of a person preparing to bear significant responsibility, which hardly contextualizes the weight of playing quarterback in the NFL. No less, it's a notable observation because McCarthy is coming off a season lost to injury and is readying to start for a team coming off 14 wins.
Plainly, there's great expectations on the 2024 10th overall pick to not undermine an impressive roster. McCarthy, however, has looked immune to that pressure. Better yet, he looks to have fully embraced it.
Scoggins penned the following:
McCarthy's inquisitive nature and arm strength are two traits that stood out and were most encouraging to me while observing two mandatory minicamp practices this week.
He is 22 years old and has yet to take a regular-season snap. Nobody can provide a bet-the-mortgage guarantee for what his career trajectory will look like. The process he's following, though, in becoming an NFL starter is why the organization feels so optimistic about placing its present and future in his hands.
McCarthy is a conversationalist, but in a good way, an endearing way. He connects with teammates with an authenticity that has already earned respect inside the locker room. Employees say he includes everyone inside the team headquarters in his orbit.
We can attest to those comments.
McCarthy is someone who strolls through the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center building with his head up and eyes forward so that he can say hello to whomever he encounters. He takes an interest in non-football, more personal conversations, and is a willing participant in all things asked of a franchise quarterback. To Scoggins' point, McCarthy's process is the best sign he's developing in the right direction.
In support of his study of the earliest drafted quarterback in franchise history, Scoggins documented input from some of McCarthy's teammates; 36-year-old safety Harrison Smith described him as "very thoughtful," according to Scoggins; 30-year-old running back Aaron Jones, Sr., noted it doesn't matter if "Receiver 1" or "Offensive Lineman 60" are in McCarthy's sphere, he treats them with the same respect.
The physical profile is compelling, as well.
Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips and others sang praises over McCarthy's velocity on throws. Swiss Army Knife safety Joshua Metellus said, "He has one of the best zips I've seen since being in the league, and I've been around some guys who can sling it." Jordan Addison stated, "He's got a lot of swag to him."
Importantly, the elements are working.
Even after a bad throw in practice, or McCarthy realizing a risk was misjudged or mistimed, he's demonstrated an astute belief in himself and his knowledge base. In one instance Wednesday, McCarthy appeared to be fooled by coverage and tossed an interception. Quickly, he snapped his head to the video board adjacent to the practice field, rewatched his decision and responded with a pretty completion.
Scoggins' bottom line is McCarthy is being intentional about investing fully in every aspect of his role.
PFF predicts 2025 'All-Breakout Team'
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, Colts edge rusher Laiatu Latu, Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins – the sheet is stacked with recent first-rounders and players positioned to claim some kind of stardom in 2025.
Pro Football Focus on Tuesday shared its “All-Breakout” squad for the upcoming season. It features a Vikings defender who was diligent in the shadows the past couple years and is primed for a bigger role.
The player in question? Twenty-six-year-old safety Theo Jackson.
PFF's Bradley Locker assessed how Jackson has fared on their grading scale:
On only 79 defensive snaps last season, Jackson shined with a 79.2 overall PFF grade and a stringent 77.1 PFF coverage grade. In his three years with the Vikings, the former sixth-round pick has only played 222 total defensive snaps but has finished above a 69.0 PFF coverage grade in every season.
Obviously, Camryn Bynum leaving in free agency flung the door wide open for Jackson. His own impact around the ball, however, is what propped it open initially. Jackson has been a habitual playmaker in past training camps; he sealed Minnesota's win at Seattle last December, in his only extended look on defense in 2024, with a clutch pick; and he's well-versed in Brian Flores' schematics.
While the extent of Jackson's role is to be determined, it seems like a sure thing he'll surpass his career defensive snap total in 2025 alone. A primary special-teamer dating to the 2022 campaign, Jackson has recorded 47 tackles (29 solo), intercepted a pair of passes and defended four overall in 43 appearances.
Here's PFF's complete team of breakout candidates:
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Running back: Braelon Allen, New York Jets
Wide receiver: Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears
Wide receiver: Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills
Tight end: Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
Tackle: J.C. Latham, Tennessee Titans
Guard: Christian Mahogany, Detroit Lions
Center: Tanor Bortolini, Indianapolis Colts
Guard: Jordan Morgan, Green Bay Packers
Tackle: Troy Fautanu, Pittsburgh Steelers
DEFENSE
Edge rusher: Laiatu Latu, Indianapolis Colts
Interior defender: Moro Ojomo, Philadelphia Eagles
Interior defender: Byron Murphy, II, Seattle Seahawks
Edge rusher: Tuli Tuipuloto, Los Angeles Chargers
Linebacker: Omar Speights, Los Angeles Rams
Linebacker: Jaylon Carlies, Indianapolis Colts
Cornerback: Nate Wiggins, Baltimore Ravens
Cornerback: Mike Sainristil, Washington Commanders
Safety: Jaden Hicks, Kansas City Chiefs
Safety: Theo Jackson, Minnesota Vikings
