Field Yates NFL Mock Draft 2024: J.J. McCarthy to Vikings Among Final Predictions

J.J. McCarthy has been linked to the Minnesota Vikings since the moment they lost Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

That doesn't change in the final mock draft by Field Yates, but the price they need to pay to move up from No. 11 did.

The ESPN reporter has the Vikings moving up from No. 11 to No. 8 in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons in his final mock draft. That's a far lesser price than some other mocks that have Minnesota ascending all the way to No. 4 in a deal with the Arizona Cardinals.

McCarthy is arguably the most polarizing prospect in this class. Some view his 27-1 record as a starter at Michigan and history of winning football at all levels as a sign he's destined for greatness at the next level. Others view him as a major risk, noting Michigan's unwillingness to trust him in big games.

McCarthy threw for just 140 yards in the Wolverines' national championship game win over Washington. In four games against ranked opponents last season, he threw for over 150 yards just once.

"He does have talent. People like his personality. He's a lot like [Drake] Maye. I think there's a long way to go for him," an offensive assistant told Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. "On tape, he over-strides a lot. Everything is a flat, hard rocket-shot. You have to throw over guys and around guys and take something off. I do think he can do that, but I don't think it's his default. And when something is not your default, you really got to work on it to iron it in."

The Vikings signed Sam Darnold this offseason, so they could afford to allow McCarthy to sit and develop next season.

That said, Darnold has never been particularly impressive throughout his NFL career. It likely wouldn't take long for his performance level to dip to the point Vikings fans are clamoring for McCarthy—regardless of whether he's ready.

The Vikings have a stable core in their front office and coaching staff, so they could weather the storm for a season if they think McCarthy needs to sit out. Still, it's hard to justify trading up for a player who so many people believes more development time.