The NFL draft, scheduled for April 25th, remains distant and notoriously challenging to anticipate.
The NFL draft, scheduled for April 25th, remains distant and notoriously challenging to anticipate. However, the prevailing expectation currently is that quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels will be the top three selections. In the event that the Vikings are unable to secure a trade within the top three, they will have to consider the next tier of quarterback options, comprising J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr., and Bo Nix.
McCarthy stands out as a compelling prospect with a distinct profile compared to the other two. Penix and Nix, both fifth or sixth-year seniors, will enter their rookie seasons at the age of 24. Following impressive performances as Heisman finalists last season, where they ranked first and second in the nation in passing yards within high-powered Pac-12 offenses, they bring experience. On the other hand, McCarthy, a true junior at the age of 21, operated within Michigan’s run-heavy offense, finishing 35th in the country in passing yards with just under 3,000 in 15 games. McCarthy concluded an undefeated season by guiding his Wolverines team to victory over Penix’s Washington Huskies in the national championship game.
