Who Should I Start? J.J. McCarthy or Jalen Milroe

Wednesday, May 7, 9:26 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.

Monday, May 5, 4:28 PM

Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe told reporters of SeattleSports.com that he's been focused on improving his lower-half mechanics during rookie minicamp. The Alabama product has been working on fine-tuning his base to aid in his evolution as a passer. "It's all about being an efficient passer," said the 22-year-old. "And so the more you work, the more you understand your body...So that's something that we continue to work on." Milroe was anything but the model of efficiency during his senior year at Alabama, though seeing him address it early is an encouraging sign. More so, considering he's under the tutelage of Jordan Palmer, brother to Carson Palmer, who worked with Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. The Seahawks' third-round pick has all the toolsy, physical gifts that play at the NFL, but he'll still need to refine his mechanics before surpassing teammates Drew Lock and Sam Darnold on the team's depth chart.