Regardless that he’s now part of the Carolina Panthers’ onerous rebuilding efforts, Adam Thielen will at all times be synonymous with the colour purple. As a matter of truth, he’s nonetheless not directly concerned with the Minnesota Vikings.
The 2017 Second-Staff All-Professional extensive receiver not too long ago had a exercise with Vikings rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy, and by his personal admission, Thielen got here away extremely impressed by the No. 10 choose within the 2024 NFL Draft.
“He’s a terrific child,” the 33-year-old advised KFAN FM’s Paul Allen, by way of Janik Eckardt of PurplePTSD. “You don’t notice that he’s solely 21 years previous if you’re speaking to him, if you’re hanging round. He’s acquired a maturity about him which you could inform that goes past his age. And, you understand, that’s step primary as a QB, to have that maturity stage, to have that form of poise or form of that aura round you that simply looks like confidence and only a good good individual.”
Now that’s what followers wish to hear in regards to the man tapped to steer the franchise for the foreseeable future, and hopefully past. Thielen’s seal of approval falls according to the Vikings’ causes for buying and selling as much as choose the nationwide championship-winning QB in April.
The group values McCarthy’s character, management qualities and expertise. With arguably the most effective receiver in Justin Jefferson working routes and a lauded offensive thoughts like head coach Kevin O’Connell drawing up performs, the Michigan nice has an opportunity to easily transition into the NFL. Although, it’s not simply his intangibles which can be impressing individuals.
Does Vikings’ JJ McCarthy have a better ceiling than many individuals assume?
Adam Thielen highlights the passing acumen that younger JJ McCarthy possesses, which could possibly be of important significance in a division that includes a three-time Professional Bowl QB who has been to a Tremendous Bowl, a budding star and a former Heisman Trophy winner. The 22-year-old is certainly standing out so far as the NFL’s co-record-holder for many consecutive video games with 100-plus receiving yards is anxious.
“He has all of the instruments,” Thielen mentioned. “He can sling it; he’s tremendous correct. We’re in shorts and t-shirts on the market, however you’ll be able to see so much simply from accuracy, timing, if you’re working round on the market.”
Whereas there are numerous soccer followers who contemplate McCarthy to be a sport supervisor, the worth of finishing quick and medium passes can’t be missed. Dissecting defenses and milking the clock is a tried and true technique to win soccer video games. By the sound of it, nevertheless, Thielen is just not anxious in regards to the 2023 Massive Ten Quarterback of the Yr’s capacity to toss the deep ball.
McCarthy threw for two,991 yards and 22 touchdowns and accomplished 72.3 p.c of his passes through the Wolverines’ title marketing campaign. He could also be requested to hold the offense extra within the NFL than he did in school, however he appears to have a very good help system behind him. Sadly for McCarthy, although, Thielen is just not going to be a security internet for him on the sphere throughout his rookie season.
Each males are gearing up for pivotal years, as they every attempt to discover success underneath difficult circumstances. Maybe a pair extra exercises are so as earlier than they be part of their respective groups for coaching camp.