J.J. McCarthy, who missed his entire 2024 rookie season due to a knee injury, is demonstrating encouraging signs of his arm strength and recovery progress during the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason training activities (OTAs). The former Michigan Wolverines quarterback is working to establish himself as a reliable NFL signal caller after a year without game action.

Despite concerns that arose before and during his draft process, McCarthy is showing that his arm talent remains consistent. His strong performance during Vikings OTAs addresses lingering questions surrounding his arm ability, helping to elevate expectations for his role in the team’s future.

McCarthy’s Arm Strength Gains Positive Feedback Amid NFL Training

J.J. McCarthy’s arm strength had been a topic of debate among scouts and analysts prior to his NFL debut, especially after missing regular-season play in 2024 due to a knee injury. Although some questioned whether his throwing ability measured up to elite NFL levels, recent observations at Vikings OTAs have eased those concerns.

ESPN analyst Kevin Seifert noted on May 29 that while McCarthy might not possess the overwhelming arm talent of past legends such as John Elway or Brett Favre, he nonetheless “makes the throws” expected at the professional level. Seifert clarified that his judgment was based on “functional arm strength,” emphasizing that while McCarthy might not have blistering velocity, his throws are effective and meet NFL standards.

“I’ve struggled to square what I’ve seen of J.J. McCarthy (2024/25) with some pre-draft assessments of his arm. He’s not John Elway, Brett Favre or even Sam Darnold, but he makes the throws. Maybe I’ll be proven wrong when the games start, but for now it’s not a top-of-mind issue,”

Seifert posted on X.

Responding to a fan’s query, Seifert added,

“I’m talking about functional arm strength, not necessarily MPH at the combine.”

He affirmed further,

“But just to be clear: During my amateur observations, I haven’t seen any red flags with J.J. McCarthy’s arm. He is making NFL throws.”

McCarthy’s passing connection with wide receiver Jordan Addison during these sessions demonstrates the quarterback’s ability to deliver precise and timely passes, signaling progress in both form and confidence as he prepares for his sophomore season.

Pre-Draft Evaluations Highlighted More Questions About Decision-Making Than Throwing Ability

Before entering the NFL, McCarthy’s arm strength drew mixed reviews from those inside the league. An anonymous NFC assistant coach described McCarthy’s arm as “good, not great,” but noted improvement at his pro day, where deep throws were showcased effectively.

“I think he can make enough throws. I don’t think he’s got a gifted arm, but I think he’s got enough accuracy. Throws outside the numbers in the NFL are easier than throws outside the numbers in college,”

the assistant coach explained, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

On the other hand, an AFC executive praised McCarthy’s arm as a strength rather than a weakness. However, several league insiders voiced concerns not about his throwing but about his mental processing speed and decision-making on the field. One NFC scout highlighted that McCarthy occasionally placed the ball in risky situations too often, which raised flags about his judgment under pressure.

A candid quote from an AFC executive reflected frustration with McCarthy’s timing and decisiveness:

“F—ing wait and wait and wait and wait and start moving around and moving around and he is throwing it to that f—ing dude.”

Additionally, a NFC quarterback coach questioned why Michigan did not rely more heavily on McCarthy during crucial moments, underscoring uncertainty about the coaching staff’s trust in his clutch performance. Nonetheless, McCarthy’s leadership, athleticism, and his ability to win a College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship with Michigan remain among his top traits.

His brief 2024 preseason appearance with the Vikings, in a close 24-23 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, showed promise. McCarthy completed nearly 65% of his attempts for 188 yards, throwing two touchdowns against one interception before his knee issue forced him out.

McCarthy Reflects on Recovery and Returning to Football with the Vikings

The severity of McCarthy’s knee injury—a torn meniscus sustained during his lone preseason game—only became evident after the fact. He underwent two procedures and endured a challenging rehabilitation process that included regaining weight lost during recovery.

He expressed genuine gratitude and excitement about being back on the field with his teammates during the Vikings’ OTAs.

“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. And, yeah, it’s just nothing better than being out here with the boys playing some ball,”

McCarthy said to reporters on May 28.

McCarthy also conveyed satisfaction with his mental preparation throughout recovery, particularly maintaining a strong grasp of the Vikings’ offensive scheme.

“I believe there’s a lot of things here and there that we got to always continue to improve on, and I was just very happy with the way I prepared and went about that recovery process above the neck, and being able to stay in the playbook, and really just feel all the ins and outs of this offense. And, yeah, it’s been a lot of fun.”

He affirmed that physically, he feels enhanced compared to his rookie year, describing himself as “bigger, faster, stronger” as he heads into his second NFL campaign. McCarthy is eager to translate his offseason work into results once the Vikings begin their preseason, with their first game scheduled at home against the Houston Texans on August 9.

Vikings Roster and Supporting Cast Bolster McCarthy’s Development

The Minnesota Vikings have assembled a roster that is well-positioned to support McCarthy’s growth. Alongside him on the quarterback depth chart are veteran Brett Rypien, former Seahawks and Commanders starter Sam Howell, and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.

The team focused on strengthening both offensive line spots and the backfield during the offseason, adding running back Jordan Mason and wide receivers Tim Jones and Rondale Moore to enrich the passing attack.

With elite wideouts like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor ready to make plays, plus tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones leading the backfield ahead of Mason, McCarthy has a talented supporting cast to navigate the Vikings through their upcoming season.

His development is critical for the Vikings’ overall success, as the quarterback’s performance will largely determine if the team can maintain or improve its competitive stature in the NFL.