Two NFC North rookie quarterbacks are embarking on their journey toward superstardom, if you believe the hype. The race is on to see who gets there first.
Both were top-10 draft picks. Both have arm talent. Both move well and can improvise. Both were drafted to be franchise quarterbacks. And, if they fulfill their potential, the division will have a compelling rivalry for at least the next decade.
Every throw they make in camp will over-scrutinized at this time of year, when there’s no hitting and the primary defender is air. Can’t wait for the bulging eye emojis on social media with video clips of their perfect throws to the back corner of the end zone during 7-on-7 drills, or the distraught emojis when a pass is picked off or a swing pass is botched.
Of these two immense talents, only one is supported by the best infrastructure for growth and development.
It’s the Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy, who was selected with the 10th overall selection in April’s NFL draft.
The other contestant is Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who is considered a generational talent. He also has a Heisman Trophy in his case and was the No. 1 overall selection this year.
Yet McCarthy is in the better situation.
McCarthy won’t get the keys to the car right away. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell last week announced a competition at quarterback, but Sam Darnold is QB1 and should be QB1 when the regular season opens. McCarthy will receive some first-team reps but isn’t expected to start. This allows him to develop without being thrown right into the fire. O’Connell can see how McCarthy prepares. He can throw the entire playbook at him, only parts of it or rewrite it, depending on how McCarthy absorbs it.