"J.J. McCarthy is a bust" - NFL fans react as Vikings QB reportedly throws interceptions for three straight days at minicamp

The Minnesota Vikings used the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft to select Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Although many expected McCarthy to feature at some point during the 2024 season, he suffered a knee injury in preseason and did not play a single game.

McCarthy is widely expected to be the starting QB in Week 1 of the new season, but recent reports from practice suggest he is still finding his footing and learning how to play at the NFL level.

According to Vikings beat writer Will Ragatz, McCarthy has thrown interceptions in three straight practices open to the media.

In response, some NFL fans highlighted their belief that McCarthy was going to struggle in the league and could be a draft bust.

"J.J. McCarthy is a bust," one fan wrote.

FIRST ROUND MOCK

@firstroundmock

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J.J. McCarthy is a bust.

MR.305

@MR305OFFICAL

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The Vikings obviously didn't watch the college tape. This is going to be an epic failure

Barolo & Plin Guy

@theappleMN

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He is bad at practice. Wait until the live bullets fly. Going to be hilarious. Maybe KOC will install the tripple option.

Meanwhile, other fans pointed out that interceptions were common this early into offseason preparations and that it was a good thing to make mistakes now rather than during important games.

"Tracking interceptions in OTAs n mini camps is beyond worthless. That is what OTAs n mini camps r for. Taking chances n learning," one fan wrote.

"The fact he's only thrown one INT each day against Brian Flores' defense is impressive," one fan wrote.

"Good. Making mistakes in practice is what he’s supposed to do. Especially if bflo [Brian Flores] is throwing any sort of real schemes his way. Learn what an nfl d coordinator is thinking and how he’s disguising coverages. Then talk it over with KOC [Kevin O'Connell]," one fan wrote.

Are J.J. McCarthy's early offseason interceptions a cause for concern?

Interceptions at OTAs and mini-camp are hardly a cause for concern for a QB who has not played a regular-season snap at the NFL level.

However, should this trend continue into the preseason and the regular season, then McCarthy's future in the league could be open for debate.

The Vikings have stars around the offensive unit in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones. With a top defense and a great head coach, McCarthy unquestionably has pressure and high expectations to lead the Vikings to the playoffs and potentially a Super Bowl in 2025.