The hoopla, hysteria and general hype around the NFL Draft is unrivaled. Thursday’s first round will be filled with the usual pomp and circumstance with stylish suits, neck-draped flashy bling, main-stage struts, Roger Goodell bro hugs and lifelong dreams realized. However, selfish gamers only care about one thing — Where does the rookie rank in the fantasy pecking order? Here’s instant analysis of McCarthy in the Vikings offense.
No. 10 overall pick — J.J. McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings
One of the most polarizing players in this year’s draft class, the Michigan standout begins his NFL career drawing a line.
On one side are scouts who believe he has the athletic profile, accuracy, lively arm and leadership qualities to be a franchise cornerstone. The advanced analytics support their view. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked QB4 among all college passers in adjusted completion percentage last season.
On the opposite side, naysayers question his decision making and Jim Harbaugh’s insistent and consistent reliance on the Wolverines ground game. Was it a maneuver purposely implemented to mask McCarthy’s flaws?
His dual-threat skills and Justin Jefferson make him fantasy relevant, but the aforementioned concerns do raise the risk. Though he’ll have his moments, McCarthy is a low-dollar or later-round stab even in SuperFlex formats.