The Minnesota Vikings have set up their rookie quarterbacks for success and J.J. McCarthy is going to be the latest to benefit from that.
ESPN's Aaron Schatz took a look at what rookie quarterbacks went in with the best situations from multiple angles. He started off by looking at first overall picks and determined that the Chicago Bears have given Caleb Williams the best chance to succeed. After that, he took a look at quarterbacks taken in the top 12.
McCarthy and the 2024 Vikings have the fourth-best situation for a top-12 rookie quarterback and it's easy to see why.
McCarthy starts his career with a great pair of receivers. Justin Jefferson might be the best receiver in the league right now, while Jordan Addison had 70 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie. After that, Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield are trustworthy veterans.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson had a career-high 960 receiving yards last season despite missing the final two games. Running back Aaron Jones comes over from the rival Packers, and while he had only 656 rushing yards in 11 games last season, he did have 1,121 in 2022. Backup Ty Chandler had 461 rushing yards on 4.5 yards per carry in 2023.
The Vikings' offensive line is very strong, particularly with tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill. McCarthy is set up for success as soon as he enters the starting lineup.
It isn't just the 2024 Vikings who have done a great job in setting up their rookie quarterback. Dennis Green set up Daunte Culpepper for success in 1999 with the best supporting cast ever.
Randy Moss, Cris Carter and Jake Reed at receiver! Robert Smith and Leroy Hoard at running back! Even tight end Andrew Glover had 522 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 1998. Plus, three Minnesota offensive linemen made the Pro Bowl in 1998. There has never been a first-round quarterback drafted into an offense as good as the one Culpepper joined in 1999. Culpepper, however, did not throw a pass in his rookie season.
The Vikings have done a great job surrounding McCarthy with talent and it should make a major impact early on.
