Vikings OTA preview: J.J. McCarthy takes the reins while questions remain on Brian Flores' defense
The Minnesota Vikings are now entering the final stage of Organized Team Activities and it's the next stage of J.J. McCarthy's development as the starting quarterback. After multiple flirtations with Aaron Rodgers, the Vikings decided to move forward with McCarthy, and it's the smart decision on many levels. It's especially smart when it comes to […]
The Minnesota Vikings are now entering the final stage of Organized Team Activities and it's the next stage of J.J. McCarthy's development as the starting quarterback.
After multiple flirtations with Aaron Rodgers, the Vikings decided to move forward with McCarthy, and it's the smart decision on many levels. It's especially smart when it comes to offseason activities, as those reps are incredibly valuable.
With OTAs set to ramp up on Tuesday, there are multiple things for the Vikings to look at, including the future on offense.
J.J. McCarthy taking the starting reps
The best part about no Rodgers is what I mentioned before: starting reps for McCarthy. Getting that time with the offense and developing more chemistry with the receivers is paramount for early success.
The other instance that is underrated is the relationship with the center. Ryan Kelly is new to the Vikings, and McCarthy hasn't taken many practice snaps after missing all of last year due to his torn meniscus.
Taking everything in and improving his chemistry with the center is just as important as that of a quarterback and his receivers. How you command the offense is extremely important, and McCarthy can take leaps in this area during OTAs.
Wide receiver depth
We know that Justin Jefferson is the best wide receiver in the National Football League, but it's how things shape up after him that will matter the most.
Jordan Addison has a jury trial in June that will likely mean the projected suspension he will get hits in the 2025 season. Jalen Nailor has done a good job overall being the number three receiver, but there are real questions about him being that consistently, let alone stepping up as the number two receiver.
Tai Felton was picked in the third round of this year's NFL Draft, but is he ever going to be anything more than a speed threat? Is Rondale Moore going to be healthy enough to be relied upon? What about Tim Jones or Lucky Jackson? Seeing how that group shapes out will be interesting.
Who starts opposite of Byron Murphy Jr.?
We know that Byron Murphy Jr. is going to be a starter at cornerback after signing a massive contract in the offseason. He was a starter in the Pro Bowl Games for the Vikings last season with six interceptions, and played incredibly well both inside and outside.
How the rest of the room shakes up is where things get interesting. Isaiah Rodgers was signed to compete to be the starter on the outside, and Mekhi Blackmon is coming off a torn ACL. Outside of those two, it's a group headlined by former third overall pick Jeff Okudah and UDFA from last year, Dwight McGlothern.
OTAs are where players on the outside are given a lot of time to shine, as you can't run full practices like you can in training camp. Will Rodgers step up and be that guy? Can Blackmon bounce back from his injury? Is this the Okudah redemption story?
Despite its popularity, one proposed move for the Minnesota Vikings would be a poor decision and it’s easy to see why
It’s a popular option for the Vikings, and one that shouldn’t be made
Owner Mark Wilf makes bold statement about future of Minnesota Vikings
The future is incredibly bright in Minnesota
