McCarthy was supposed to back up Sam Darnold last season, but a meniscus tear in his right knee in training camp ended his rookie season. He was healthy for OTAs and is expected to start Week 1 this season. The Vikings must be confident of that because they traded Sam Darnold. But even if healthy, it's still a question whether McCarthy is ready for the NFL after spending his apprentice year rehabbing instead of developing. The 10th pick in the 2024 draft, McCarthy has a strong arm, but his mechanics drew criticism from scouts. That aspect might be a work in progress, as will throwing deep with touch. But wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison cover a lot of ills, and McCarthy is in a good situation with coach Kevin O'Connell, who gave Darnold 545 attempts last season. With the addition of RB Aaron Jones, the Vikings' pass percentage dropped to 56.6 last season (from about 64 percent the previous two seasons) and is likely the floor of what to expect. Minnesota remade an offensive line that struggled to protect Darnold, signing center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries, two of the top free-agent linemen, and drafting left guard Donovan Jackson in the first round. They also hope to have LT Christian Darrisaw healthy after a mid-year season-ending injury. McCarthy should also add some rushing stats, assuming his knee holds up, as he's an excellent athlete.

• Darius Harris
  LB
• Kyle Allen
  QB
• Jordan Colbert
  DB
• Pat Conroy
  TE
• Levi Onwuzurike
  DL
• Daryl Williams
  OL
• Amani Hooker
  DB
• Joe Burrow
  QB