Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Cam Ward

Tuesday, June 17, 12:07 PM

There are plenty of question marks surrounding Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick last year, after he missed his rookie season in 2024 with a torn right meniscus in his knee. However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that McCarthy's arm strength has been fine after it was a topic of discussion going into the 2024 draft. "He definitely has an arm," receiver Justin Jefferson said. "That's for sure. He can definitely zip it whenever he needs to." His arm has looked especially lively on throws down the middle of the field, and McCarthy is starting to learn to vary his throws after Jefferson noted last summer that the rookie tended to throw every ball the same way -- hard and straight. With no threats to the starting job under center, the 22-year-old is Minnesota's clear starting QB going into 2025 and has some of the best weapons in the league. He's a QB2 with upside in fantasy.

Wednesday, June 25, 12:32 PM

ESPN's Turron Davenport writes that Tennessee Titans rookie first-round quarterback Cam Ward is already emerging as a leader heading into his first season in the NFL. Ward organized a group of rookie receivers to come into the building at 5 am for film study and hasn't been hesitant to tell a veteran wideout how he wants a route run. Additionally, the first overall pick has bounced back quickly from his mistakes during offseason workouts. "It certainly didn't shy him away from throws," head coach Brian Callahan said. "You want to see a guy just kind of get ready and throw it again." The 23-year-old is certainly showing maturity early on, but whether it translates to immediate production on the field when games count will be another story. With limited options beyond receiver Calvin Ridley to throw to, Ward is expected to have an up-and-down rookie season, especially since he's not much of a runner.