The first two days of OTAs are in the books and it is all good right? I think it is and it is nice to see JJ McCarthy out there getting those first team reps. We got a long ways to go but it is a start. If I am going to be honest, I was not a big fan when he was coming out of college. It seemed like too much hype and the draft talk about trading multiple high picks to get him was too much for my tastes. I am happy that the team did not give up very much to secure him. I was surprised when the Falcons took Michael Penix and would have wondered if the Vikings would have taken him instead of JJ. Maybe they do not trade up if both were on the board? I believe they would have taken JJ due to his age and injury history (at the time).
I was impressed after seeing that first preseason game. He made the passes he needed to make to get some scores and showed very good mobility. It is going to be exciting to see him play in the preseason game which he should.
The next organized team activites.
The schedule is …
OTAs: May 27-28, May 30, June 2-3, June 5, June 16-18
Mandatory Minicamp: June 10-12
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
How did JJ McCarthy look at OTAs? Well…
Bigger, faster, stronger.
That’s how JJ McCarthy described himself physically following Wednesday’s OTA practice at TCO Performance Center, which was open to the media.
I would quote Larry David to characterize his practice: Pretty, pretty, pretty…. pretty good.
Question: Did McCarthy throw the ball with similar velocity and accuracy as we saw from him last year in training camp?
Answer: Yes. He completed most of his passes with a high degree of accuracy. One in particular stood out — a deep out route to Jordan Addison that was around 20 yards downfield.
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.’ “
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.
“He’s a tremendous talent, tremendous leader. But his leadership really shows up when he’s here. And, you know, just being able to get, you know that chemistry building on and off the field has been invaluable.
“We spent a good amount of time, you know, the Wolves game was interesting, being miked up and all that. But, um, yeah, we spent a good amount of time together.”
McCarthy was directly asked about how much work they got together last year, and he gave both an honest and vague answer.
“Last year? I don’t know the specific amount of reps, but I would say it’s probably not as much as it is now. And it’s every receiver that I’m with. It’s that timing, those reps, all of that has to be built up over time. So, the more reps the better. And yeah, I just feel like we’re not where we want to be, but we’re going to be there when we need to.”
J.J. McCarthy is ‘bigger, stronger, faster’ — and smarter in Year 2
J.J. McCarthy says he’s “bigger, faster, stronger” than he was at this time last year. That’s big new for the Minnesota Vikings, and clearly part of the reason why the franchise elected to move forward with him instead of giving Aaron Rodgers or anyone else a chance to lead the purple to the promised land.
McCarthy credits natural aging — he turned 22 on Jan. 20 — for his physical improvements.
“I would say just naturally age. Being able to be here the entire offseason, work out five days a week and just consistently stack those days because over time it’s going to show up to how I feel now,” McCarthy said after the Vikings held an organized team activity on Wednesday.
It also helps that he’s 10 months removed from the torn meniscus that ended his rookie season after one preseason game.
“It feels amazing,” he said of being back on the field. “When you get it taken away from you, you take every chance you get to be back out here and really appreciate it, really take the most out of it. There’s just nothing better than being out here with the boys, playing some ball.”
Head coach Kevin O’Connell raved about McCarthy’s growth from Year 1 to 2.
“Yeah, he’s healthy. He’s done an unbelievable job,” O’Connell said. “You kind of forget the fact that this is his first runway since the injury happened. I think it’s just a credit to the work he put in. There’s been a lot of lonely hours where it’s him and the training staff and the strength staff. Jut the work he’s put in to get his body where he’s at, and the arm feeling the way it is, and then of course coming off the injury his lower body feeling as good as it does, to move the way he’s doing. He looks great. He’s feeling really good. Now we just gotta stack a lot of really good days together this spring together.”
“I would say the familiarity within the offense,” McCarthy said of his growth. “Just being able to regurgitate play calls and understand where guys are at, where they’re supposed to be if they’re not there. Yeah, the familiarity in the offense is the biggest change.”
O’Connell said “darn near 100%” of the roster showed up to the voluntary OTAs, including wide receiver Justin Jefferson, whose connection with McCarthy is growing on and off the field.
“I think it’s been huge. Not only just for J.J.,, but he’s an energy ignitor of the whole building. He’s come back with a purpose and a mindset,” O’Connell said of Jefferson’s’ presence.
“We’re not where we want to be, but we’re going to be there when we need to,” McCarthy said, noting that he enjoyed being mic’d up alongside Jefferson at a recent Timberwolves playoff game.
On the field, it’s all about getting as many reps as possible with Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Jalen Nailor, Brandon Powell, Tai Felton and every other weapon he has at his disposal.
“Just reps with receivers, finding that timing with all these guys. Just keep stacking day after day. Not trying to put it on ‘em, but really trust them in and out of the cut and put the ball to a spot where it needs to be. It’s just all about feel and just getting those reps. That’s where the accuracy with come,” he said.
“We can’t assume that he knows any particular thing just based upon the meeting room. We gotta come out and feel it and organically feel exactly where he’s at,” O’Connell said. “What I’ve been really surprised by is some of the things that he does know. You’re like, ‘man, we covered that in a 10-minute burst in Week 11 last year. How do you remember that?’ And then there are some other things where you’re like, ‘Oh, I assumed he knew that.’ So what’s our job? Baseline teaching and stacking days and layered learning so that we’re constantly making him feel like he’s growing, but never comfortable, never satisfied on any particular outcome because we’re building towards something much greater than just a single play here or there.”
Will Fries unlikely to be full force until training camp
“It’s almost hard to believe with how strong he is,” O’Connell said. “But we’re being really smart just with the injury that it was. Knowing how we handle the spring, I don’t know if we’ll see him fully active this spring. But I have no hesitation to say that I’m really excited to see him when he’s able to get out there, more than likely training camp, but there’s still a chance we could see him in some bits and pieces of work over the next two weeks. But he’s in a good spot.”
Reputable Vikings insider doesn’t think Jalen Ramsey speculation is crazy
Is there any chance that All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey gets traded to the Minnesota Vikings?
We connected the dots from a logical perspective last week, and former NFL star Jason McCourtney said on ESPN Tuesday that he thinks Ramsey would be an “awesome fit” with defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme in Minnesota. And now you can count reputable Vikings insider Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune among those who think it’s worth keeping an eye on.
“It is an interesting question,” Goessling said on KFAN-FM 100.3, replying to a question from a listener of the weekday show hosted by Vikings announcer Paul Allen.
“I think it’s certainly worth keeping in mind because there is that history with Kevin O’Connell. He won a Super Bowl with Kevin O’Connell. I think there would be a need there, certainly,” Goessling continued. “You’d have to figure out how you’d have to make that work financially, but if they could figure that out, I wouldn’t rule it out. I think it’s certainly worth keeping in mind just because of the need and the familiarity with him from a lot of that coaching staff having been with him with the Rams.”
Insider expects ‘legit battle’ between Sam Howell and Brett Rypien for backup spot
When the Vikings traded for Sam Howell last month, he became the obvious choice to be their backup quarterback next season. Local Minnesota sports insider Darren Wolfson, however, thinks it’s a “legit battle” between Howell and Brett Rypien to be QB2.
“I’m telling you, that’s a legit battle. Brett Rypien v Sam Howell,” Wolfson said on the latest episode of the Minnesota Sports with Mackey and Judd podcast. “To think it’s 100% foregone conclusion that Sam Howell is the next man up? No. Hold your horses. That’s a legit battle, July into August, Howell versus Rypien.”
Minnesota Vikings continue to be overlooked for one singular reason and it doesn’t make sense
The Minnesota Vikings are in a position to make waves this year thanks to a very deep roster. Even so, not everyone is a believer, as ESPN’s analytics writer Seth Walder used FPI to make projections for the 2025 season and they aren’t viewed highly at all. Why? Once again, it’s the presence of J.J. McCarthy.
If there is a curveball, it’s that Minnesota ranks only 15th after going 14-3 in 2024. But the Vikings relied on their defense — which ranked third in EPA per play — last season while ranking a mediocre 15th on offense. And even though Brian Flores remains as defensive coordinator, defensive success is hard to replicate.
Plus, second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy is an unknown after missing his rookie season with a torn meniscus in his right knee. While he might possess more upside than last year’s starter, Sam Darnold, McCarthy’s downside is almost certainly lower. Therefore, the FPI gives Minnesota only a 19% chance to win the division and a 43% chance to reach the playoffs
ESPN believes Vikings are in rare company that makes them dark horse Super Bowl contenders in 2025
The sportsbooks only have the Vikings with a win total of 8.5, just one year after winning 14 games with a roster that’s worse than what it is now.
ESPN’s Benjamin Solak is one who does have a belief in the Vikings, and it has to do with the entirety of the roster, something that I’ve been discussing for weeks on end.
There are two teams that could reasonably project as having the best offensive line and the best defense for the 2025 season: Minnesota and Denver. As such, Minnesota and Denver register as “Super Bowl dark horses” on my “What sort of contender are you?” scale before I even know anything about their respective young quarterbacks.
Kevin O’Connell on J.J. McCarthy’s Mobility, Will Fries Update & ‘Layered Learning’ at Vikings OTAs
O’Connell said it’s “been huge” having Jefferson in the facility for voluntary workouts.
“You know, not just for J.J., but you guys know this — he’s an energy igniter of the whole building. And I think he’s come back with a purpose and a mindset,” O’Connell told a large crowd of Twin Cities media members. “I know this is kind of your guys’ first time seeing him, but he’s been here and spent some time here during Phase 2 [of OTAs], just when we’re pitching and catching. You hear his voice, you hear his interaction with teammates, and they just carry such a long way.
“He and I have had a lot of conversations about his role,” O’Connell added. “He’s not only a captain, but he means so much to this organization, and the guys in that locker room that know, ‘If this guy, one of the best in the world at what he does, is pushing himself in May and June, I sure as heck better be doing the same thing.’ “
One of the things that Adofo-Mensah maximized was his use of void years. Utilizing those has been a great way to continue adding talent while staying within the constraints of the rigid salary cap. It’s how the Vikings compiled a regular season record of 34-17, despite having over $72 million in dead salary cap throughout the course of last year’s 14-win season.
The use of void years isn’t a new practice, but it’s one that seems to have the owners looking to eliminate. Commissioner Roger Goodell heavily alluded to that when he spoke at the owners meetings last week.
“There are no formal plans on any discussions,” Goodell told reporters. “We obviously continue to be in close communication with the union on a variety of matters, but no start of negotiations have been set or are under consideration really at this point. We did spend time today talking, at length, about areas of our Collective Bargaining Agreement that we want to focus on. The two areas that we spent time on were really the cap system itself, the integrity of that system, how’s it working, where do we need to address that in the context of collective bargaining, when that does happen. That was a very lengthy discussion.”
While Goodell didn’t directly say that they will be looking to get rid of void years, it does seem that it was the focus of the discussion. Over The Cap’s Jason Fitzgerald believes that to be the case.
Vikings’ duo skyrockets in rankings of NFL’s elite edge rushers
The Minnesota Vikings’ star pass rushing duo of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel have been named among the top 32 edge rushers in the league by Pro Football Focus. Combined, Greenard and Van Ginkel tallied 23.5 sacks in their debut season with the Vikings in 2024.
Greenard and Van Ginkel both placed in PFF’s top 20, coming in at No. 15 and No. 17, respectively. PFF’s Ryan Smith said Greenard “thrived” in Brian Flores’ defense, while Van Ginkel delivered “the most productive season of his career.”
Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:
- No discussion of politics or religion
- No feeding of the trolls
- Leave the gender hatred at the door
- Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)
- Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags
- No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer
- If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away
- While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm
